Why Peter isn't blue
- Publication: Hull Daily Mail
- Date: 1991-12-27
- Author: Helen Smith
- Page: 15
- Language: English
Former Blue Peter presenter Peter Purves left behind the sticky backed plastic and empty washing up liquid bottles to make his mark in another direction. And as reporter HELEN SMITH discovered, he has come to love life behind the scenes.
Former 'Blue Peter' presenter Peter Purves has forsaken the dizzy heights of free fall parachuting and jungle trekking to tackle the even more hazardous job of theatre panto direction.
For millions of young TV viewers during the 70s it was the antics of John, Val, Peter and later Lesley. that had them glued to the screen every Monday and Thursday teatime.
But when he left the top children's show 13 years ago it led indirectly to his present position as the director of 'Dick Whittington' at the Hull New Theatre.
"I played Baron Hardup in 'Cinderella' in 1978," he said. "The following year we were contracted for the same panto. The director failed to turn up and I took over. 1 remembered all the moves and found I enjoyed the experience. I've never looked back."
Peter began his career as an actor in theatre in Barrow-in-Furness — a few miles from his home town of Blackpool.
"I fixed on acting when I played the 'Pied Piper of Hamelin' as a nine year old," he said.
In Barrow he learnt his trade. performing in almost 100 plays in two years. "We would learn the first act of a play on Tuesday. perform another play in the evening. learn the second act the following day, perform again in the evening and then maybe start rehearsals and another new play. It was very hard. but it taught you the trade very quickly,- Peter recalls.
His big break came when he appeared with Charlie Drake in 'Man in the Moon.' at the Palladium.
He was spotted by television talent scouts who gave him the lead in 'Girl in the Picture' opposite Nicola Pagett, followed by 'The Villains' and then bit parts in 'Z Cars'. 'Gideon's Way' and a year as Steven in 'Dr Who' with William Hartnell. But then it all started to go wrong.
"After 'Dr Who', I couldn't give myself away. Eighteen months later my agents dropped me, it was the most depressing time of my life.
"Then. I heard about 'Blue Peter' and auditioned three times before getting the job which was originally for six months — and eventually lasted ten and a half years," he said.
Peter used the time as a learning experience. travelling to 27 countries, meeting some of the most influential world leaders and visiting nations which decimated by famine and war.
"It broadened my horizons and at the same time humbled me. When the first famine hit Ethiopia. we saw people with absolutely nothing."
His list of screen credits include 'Kickstart'. 'Crufts' and 'Stop Watch'. And with his own corporate video company he is currently developing a motoring programme.
"This is my first visit to Hull. with my twelfth pantomime," he said. "The opening night was uproarious and to my mind the best I have ever been involved with.
"I have been lucky with my career." he added, "1 am a jack of all trades. and still don't know if I am a master of any."
Dick Whittington plays until February 2.
Caption: CURTAIN RAISER: Peter Purses on the stage of Hull New Theatre, where he is directing 'Dick Whittington'.
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- APA 6th ed.: Smith, Helen (1991-12-27). Why Peter isn't blue. Hull Daily Mail p. 15.
- MLA 7th ed.: Smith, Helen. "Why Peter isn't blue." Hull Daily Mail [add city] 1991-12-27, 15. Print.
- Chicago 15th ed.: Smith, Helen. "Why Peter isn't blue." Hull Daily Mail, edition, sec., 1991-12-27
- Turabian: Smith, Helen. "Why Peter isn't blue." Hull Daily Mail, 1991-12-27, section, 15 edition.
- Wikipedia (this article): <ref>{{cite news| title=Why Peter isn't blue | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/Why_Peter_isn%27t_blue | work=Hull Daily Mail | pages=15 | date=1991-12-27 | via=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=8 April 2025 }}</ref>
- Wikipedia (this page): <ref>{{cite web | title=Why Peter isn't blue | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/Why_Peter_isn%27t_blue | work=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=8 April 2025}}</ref>
