Robin Stevens (puppeteer)
Robin Gordon Stevens (born 30 January 1960) is an English puppeteer, actor, director, and writer for children's TV for over 35 years, and has done many successful programmes. These include Pob's Programme, Whizz, Lay-on-Five, Corners, Teletubbies, Rosie and Jim, Tots TV, Boohbah, and Blips. He also appeared as a Goblin in the movie Labyrinth with David Bowie.
Robin Stevens | |
|---|---|
| Born | Robin Gordon Stevens 30 January 1960 Chorleywood, Hertfordshire, England |
| Occupation(s) | Puppeteer, actor, television director, writer |
| Years active | 1985–present |
Early life
Stevens was born in the UK in Chorleywood. He trained at the Cannon Hill Puppet Theater for four years (1978-1982) with John Blundall, the world-famous puppet master.
Career
Stevens worked for Ragdoll Productions for 24 years (1982-2006), writing the series Pob's Playtime, Rosie and Jim and co-writing Tots TV. Later on he also at times co-wrote scripts and originated content with Alan Dapre. He also worked for the BBC, puppeteering Jo Corner on Corners. Bug and Voice in Whizz and Fribble in Lay-on-Five. He puppeteered Pob in Pob's Programme,[1] Jim in Rosie and Jim, Tom in Tots TV (he also wrote the scripts with Tiny's puppeteer Andrew Davenport), and The Man in the Magic House in Teletubbies (he voiced the man in all foreign dubs except for the PBS Kids version where US actress Dena Davis redubbed the voice). Stevens also played Grandpappa in Boohbah and Mr. Perfect in Blips.
Stevens won a BAFTA for his episode of Tots TV 'The long, long, long baguette'.
References
- Ian Potter, The Rise and Rise of the Independents: A Television History, Guerilla Books, 2008