Introducing Phil! Our beloved and exceptionally talented narrator! He is one of Sooper Books’ very own creative geniuses who is responsible for bringing the magic to our children's books.
In this exclusive Q&A, we unveil the creative process behind Phil’s captivating narrations which bring our stories to life…
We take a closer look at Phil's journey into the realm of narration – which is nothing short of fascinating. His career, spans thousands of recordings, including some unexpected roles like voicing a lettuce in a mayonnaise commercial!
We invite you to gain a profound appreciation for how Phil's distinctive voice serves as the enchanting bridge between the written and spoken word – turning stories into a delightful and immersive experience for your little Sooper-Stars.
Phil’s perfectionist approach, and reliance on instinct, makes every narration a work of art. So please join us as we embark on this behind-the-scenes journey with Phil, our narrator extraordinaire, and discover the magic that goes into the making and narrating of Sooper Books.
Get ready to immerse yourselves in the world of storytelling: where words come alive, characters leap off the page and narratives unfold!
Meet Phil – An Architect of Imagination
1. Can you share a brief summary of your journey into becoming a narrator – your background and experiences – and how they led you to become a narrator for Sooper Books?
“I started off in theatre, working for a ‘Theatre in Education’ touring company. We took plays, which were on the national curriculum, around to many primary and secondary schools. We brought them to life! And this was something that really spiked my interest in talking to children.
On one occasion we were working in a very deprived school, and we performed ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ but with very broad comedy. I played the character called ‘Bottom’!
And at the end of the performance, one of the kids came up to me and said: “Was that Shakespeare, Mr?” I said, “Yes!” And he said, “I loved that!”
And that made my month! I thought ‘that's what it's all about’ – bringing stories, classical stories like Shakespeare, to life for little kids! What could be better? And that conversation was something that really stayed in my heart – and led me to getting involved with children’s TV in Dublin for several years.”
It really is true: you don't have to work a day of your life if you enjoy what you're doing
“And then, just by chance our founders, Simon and Charlene, liked the sound of my voice and asked if I would be interested in narrating a little story. So I did … and it worked! And then it took off…
And it has been terrific. I love every single day of it!”
The rest, as they say, is ‘narrated’ history
2. How do you ensure that your narration resonates with both the child and their parents, or carers?
“Well, an awful lot of it is down to imagination … and I think that is absolutely key.
You've got to appeal to the child's imagination and create a world which is clear, concise and real – so that they can absolutely see it in their mind's eye.
Of course, at Sooper Books, you have the choice to either read the stories yourself, or to have them read to you by your parent, carer or me.”
Try out our ‘Read to me’ feature – and let Phil read you a story
“Stories should not just be written for the written word. They should also be written for the spoken word. And if a story has been written for the spoken word … it flows and is then easier to read.
This is key, for me, when I write and narrate stories – they lift off the page and they become fun – which often includes creating silly voices for some of the characters! And that, of course, makes kids laugh but most probably the parents as well!
Kids love silliness – as we all know! As well as loving to see everybody coming out happy at the end!”
The ‘Credible’ Creative Process – Unlocking Excellence
3. How do you ensure that every narration possesses that certain essence that makes the story instantly identifiable as a Sooper story? What makes a narration a Sooper Books narration?
“That is hard to pin down…
But I think first of all it must be well written … that is fundamental. And if it is well written, with great charm and heart, then it should easily come off the page.
I have done all of the narrations on Sooper Books – even playing Cinderella – which required a slightly higher-pitched voice!
So, I guess part of what makes it instantly identifiable as a ‘Sooper Books’ story is that each and every story of the website is in my voice!”
4. The Ogglebogs, written by yourself, is one of the most popular series on the Sooper Books website. Where did the idea for this series come from?
“Well, first of all … I have now written 56 Ogglebog stories!
The idea of these funny little aliens came from, one of our founders, Simon. And then I created the world in which they live, the characters and then decided on the voices for them.
Then once I had the voices … they took on a life of their own! They became their own characters … and almost write themselves. They are essentially just primary school kids!
I think ‘The Ogglebogs’ series represent what Sooper Books is in so many ways! Just fun, slightly quirky, sweet and charming. As well as there always being a place for kindness, friendship, connection and inclusion.
They are a joy to do. In fact, they are my very favourite part of Sooper Books! And they are also one of the favourite series on the Sooper Books website … and I'm very, very proud of that!”
And so you should be Phil!
5. What do you believe to be the difference between a good narration and an excellent narration?
“It does ultimately come down to experience.
I've been doing voice work and voice acting for all my working life! And so, knowing the difference between a good and an excellent narration has become instinctual!
I also treat each job as the very first – so it's fresh and it's new. I have to make it as good as it can possibly be! I'm not content in sending something off that isn't as good as I can get it. And that again is down to experience and my own kind of ‘quality control’.”
Phil is most definitely a perfectionist … and we love it
“Experimenting with a voice is important – until your instinct kicks in and says: ‘that's the voice for that character … that’s right!’ For example, I've done quite a lot of voicing for ‘Doctor Who’ … particularly the voice of a tiny little alien. And when I tried to come up with a voice for this character I thought: ‘how about having a little alien who thinks it's a great big alien?’ So … I gave him a great, deep voice!”
I have had to rely on my instinct throughout my long career of thousands, and thousands, of recordings! In fact, my favourite was playing a lettuce in a mayonnaise commercial!”
Yes – you read that right – a lettuce!
6. Out of curiosity – do you ever get a sore throat?
“Not really actually…
But it depends on how much I have recorded throughout the course of the day. If I have done something for a video game, where there is an awful lot of battle scenes, and therefore lots of roaring and shouting, then YES my throat gets sore after about two hours of that!
And then … there are always lozenges nearby – which does the trick!”
And a nice cup of well-deserved tea, we hope
Phil's Favourite Sooper Books Creations – Discovering Gems
7. Among the stories you have narrated for Sooper Books, which are your personal favourites, and why?
“Of course, as I mentioned earlier, it has to be The Ogglebogs series!
But I do also quite enjoy the re-versioned classic stories. Of course, they were wonderfully well written in the first place. And we have kept the same template, but slightly adapted them to make them more accessible for kids today! And, I've enjoyed the fun you can have with creating different, and unexpected, voices for some of the characters. That’s been great!
To be honest, there are so many great stories out there on the Sooper Books website … it is actually hard to put a pin between them all because they're all so fun! All there for a good giggle!
And that’s what we want at the end of the day … we want both kids and parents to have a good giggle!”
* * * * * * * *
As we conclude this enchanting journey with our maestro of imagination, Phil, we find ourselves surrounded by the echoes of laughter, the warmth of storytelling and the magic that transcends generations! So thank you, Phil!
Phil's journey through thousands of recordings, serves as a reminder that storytelling has no bounds – and that even a humble lettuce can find its voice in the magical world of narration. Phil's instinctual approach and love for experimentation results in narrations that are not just good … but truly excellent.
The shared joy of a good giggle, as Phil believes, is the ultimate destination for our children’s stories … where both children and parents find solace in the timeless embrace of a well-told tale.
And with all our narrations delivered in his voice, Phil's touch has become the signature of a ‘sooper’ story. So, we invite you to explore the treasure trove of stories that await you…
♡
Fancy some more nitty-gritty details about Phil?
“Phil read English at the New University of Ulster during which time he wrote, directed and performed on stage and television. On graduating he joined a Theatre in Education touring company as director/actor. The company performed plays to schoolchildren to support the National Curriculum.
Phil moved to Dublin and presented children’s TV programmes, as well as acting in television and film. He wrote his first screenplays and became a very busy voice-over artist.
Phil then moved to London and acted in television dramas and series. He became a long-term presenter on local and hospital radio – as well as continuing his career as voice-over artist: Radio and TV commercials, corporate videos, Open University programmes, documentaries etc. He was also a Guest Lecturer in Media Studies at University of Humberside. And formed ongoing writing partnership resulting in numerous screenplays, children’s tapes etc.
Phil is currently developing a TV sitcom set in New York and a WW2 wartime romance TV series. Also in development is a movie telling the story of the origins of the vampire legends in Romania.”