Bye Bye Everybody,
Bye Bye
A mischevious new musical about the extraordinary life of Harry Corbett, creator of Sooty
Bye Bye Everybody, Bye Bye (named after Harry’s famous catchphrase) brings to life the untold story of the man behind Britain’s most beloved puppet – a journey of ambition, sacrifice and a bear who wouldn’t behave.
From Leeds fish and chip shops to end of the pier shows, the London Palladium and the BBC, Harry Corbett bridged the gap between variety theatre and the golden age of television.
This is a tale of class, craft and the complicated love between a father, his son and a puppet who became a national treasure.
At its heart, it’s a story about the sacrifices we make and the weight of passing down a legacy...
Watch Harry and Sooty in action
Why now?
The year 2028 will mark the 80th anniversary of Sooty, one of the longest running and most beloved children’s characters in British television history.
Every generation has grown up with Sooty, Sweep and Soo. On British screens regularly since 1952, Sooty has continuously brought families together through humour and nostalgia. Parents and grandparents have watched with children and grandchildren, creating a rare intergenerational experience. With such universal recognition, we believe Sooty offers rich potential for audience development – appealing to a wide demographic.
Bye Bye Everybody, Bye Bye is not a children’s show. It’s a bold, witty and musically rich new British musical that speaks to the inner child in all of us – inviting audiences to reflect on legacy, ambition and the joys and sacrifices of showbusiness families.
Our vision
At Little Seeds Music, we believe audiences, deserve the very best: bold storytelling and live music performed with skill, heart, and flair.
Like all our productions, Bye Bye Everybody, Bye Bye will feature an ensemble of actor musicians, with music woven through every moment on stage.
This project marks a bold step into new territory. Bye Bye Everybody, Bye Bye is a show on a grander scale for all those young at heart. It draws on the joyful chaos of Corbett’s legacy, tapping into the inner child with wit, warmth and musical flair.
Harry Corbett wasn’t just Sooty’s creator – he was a gifted pianist who knew how music, mischief and surprise could connect with all ages. That spirit – witty, anarchic and musically driven – inspires everything we do.
Designed for mid-scale venues, the show celebrates the heritage of post-war British variety theatre: the seaside shows, talent contests and working men’s clubs that shaped national entertainment and gave rise to Sooty’s legacy.
The show draws musical inspiration from this quintessentially British art form – a blend of satire and sentiment – echoing the subversive charm of Joyce Grenfell and George Formby and the melodic wit of Lionel Bart and Noel Gay.
Creative Team
DAVID GIBB
David Gibb is a musician, theatre maker, and author who has spent over a decade creating work for families. As a composer his theatre credits include Hansel & Gretel (Nottingham Playhouse), Luna Loves Library Day The Musical (Z-arts), Tales From The Lighthouse (Horse & Bamboo) and The Royal Christmas Pudding (The Story Museum). He has released six acclaimed family albums – including a collaboration with Grammy-nominated US artist Brady Rymer – and his music has been played internationally on stations such as Sirius XM’s Kid’s Place Live. He is the Artistic Director of Little Seeds Music, as well as the author of two picture books for children, published by Simon & Schuster and Walker Books.
TRISTAN JACKSON-PATE
Tristan Jackson-Pate is a writer, director, and theatre maker who specialises in creating new work with and for young people. He is Artistic Director of the award-winning People’s Theatre Collective and an Associate Artist at Royal & Derngate. Over the past decade he has written nine plays, directed several national tours of actor-musician productions, and worked with prestigious organisations including Oxford Playhouse, Creation Theatre and the National Theatre.
