Richard Cadell

Richard Cadell (born Richard James Pearson; 23 March 1968) is a British magician, puppeteer, television presenter and businessman. Through his company, Cadells Ltd, he has held the rights to the Sooty franchise since 2008, and formerly co-owned Brean Leisure Park in Somerset for over 25 years.

Biography Cadell was born Richard James Pearson on 23 March 1968 in Leicester, Leicestershire to Ronald Wann, a general practitioner, and Judith (née) Pearson, an actress. He changed his stage name to Cadell, his grandmother's maiden name, as there was another Richard Pearson in Equity. and appeared on The Sooty Show, featuring the titular puppet character Sooty, as part of the prize. He became friends with the production team, and when Matthew Corbett retired in 1999, he suggested Corbett should take over as his replacement. who presented two series of Sooty Heights (1999–2001), and then three series of Sooty (2001–2004).

In June 2008, Cadell and his brother acquired the rights to the Sooty franchise. To raise the nearly £1 million purchase price, the Cadells mortgaged Brean Leisure Park in Somerset, which they had co-owned for 25 years. The show is currently owned by Cadells Limited.

Since 2015, Cadell has been on tour with live children's performances, The Sooty Show. In May 2022, Cadell and Sooty appeared on This Morning, on the 75th birthday of Sooty. Later that month, Sooty Land opened at Crealy Theme Park in Exeter.

Cadell and Sooty made their stage debut in 1999 at Ashcroft Theatre in Croydon, with the pantomime Aladdin. They have featured in other pantomimes, more recently Jack and the Beanstalk at the Bristol Hippodrome in December 2025.

Personal life Cadell lives in Somerset with his partner, their son and two dogs.

Catchphrases "You're an expert?", used when speaking to Sweep.

"Bye bye, everybody", at the end of each show.