Q&A With Mr. Bloom

Mr Bloom, as seen on CBeebies, is about to embark on his first ever live UK theatre tour – arriving in Lowestoft on February 16th at 1.30pm and 4pm.

‘Tiddlers’ of all ages are invited to come and see their favourite gardener and his veggie friends in their brand new stage version of Mr Bloom’s Nursery.

As well as featuring Mr Bloom himself (Ben Faulks) the show will also star Colin the Runner Bean, Margaret the Cabbage, Joan the Fennel, Raymond the Butternut Squash, Sebastian the Aubergine and the Wee McGregors, not forgetting Mr Bloom’s trusty Compostarium too.

Check out our Q&A with Ben Faulks (AKA Mr Bloom) below.

You’re an actor and as well as your alter-ego Mr Bloom you’ve in recent years starred in Panto and also had a role in Hollyoaks – how does that compare to working with children (and of course, the veggies?).

For me personally, I love the variety of experiences acting provides. This is what I really thrive on. Each medium has its own challenges & that’s the bonus. If I can keep on finding roles that are different from the last, I couldn’t ask for more.

The idea of Mr Bloom evolved from a street theatre production you created which you then pitched to the BBC (and they of course, loved). How successful did you think it would be as a television show? What do you think makes it so popular – even five years and five series’ on?

You can never bank on people liking your work. You can certainly hope they do, but once it’s finished and out in the public domain, there’s nothing more you can do. For my part, I could see the concept, clear as day, working as a TV show. Thankfully, the BBC could too. As for the success it has enjoyed, that’s down to everyone else, not us. It terms of what makes it popular it’s impossible to say but obviously, it’s all a sum of its parts put together by a lot of hard graft & a lot of luck, being the right thing at the right time.

When you’re not busy as Mr Bloom, what’s your favourite way to spend a day? Any gardening on the agenda?

Favourite way to spend a day when not working? Everyone sits down together for a slow breakfast listening to Mary Anne Hobbs on BBC6 Music, then I nip out on my own for a quick run or cycle, come home, get cleaned up, make a packed lunch and go out with the family on some sort of local outdoor adventure, return home once again, set a fire, make pizza for everyone, then all sit down to watch ‘You’ve Been Framed’. Happy Days!

Mr Bloom Live Show

So, you’re taking Mr Bloom’s Nursery, live! Tell us more…

Yes! Mighty exciting times ahead. It’s the first theatre tour we’ve undertaken. It’ll feature Mr Bloom & the Veggies.

How will it differ from the television show?

There will be familiar sights, sounds and activities from the TV show BUT this is a completely new story line & adventure. Also, the audience are imperative to the action, so unlike the TV show, they’ve going to need to get involved.

Any treats in store?

Apart from all the familiar things the Mr Blooms Nursery offers, there’ll be the appearance of a VERY special guest.

Tickets are priced at £13.50, Groups 10+ £12.00 and a Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children) is £50.00.

To book, call 01502 533200 or click here