Why did you decide to become an actor?

Nobody in their right minds goes into the acting profession! Acting is something that one should only engage in if one feels compelled to do so. They call it a 'bug', and they're right. It is a kind of virus which doesn't respond to any of the usual antibiotics. But having said all that, the demanding job of an actor provides the kind of 'buzz' that NOTHING else in the world can...not even bungee jumping or aircraft wing-walking! I suppose in my youth I opted for the 'buzz' alone and let the plentiful disadvantages and periods of unemployment look after themselves.

Who were/ are your major influences?

Alec Guinness, Ralph Richardson and (latterly) Ian Holm. Actors who are relatively free from the 'look at me' syndrome. Open channels to the truth of the characters they play. Now they are impressive! As a young character actor I had usually been cast to play in heavy disguise as old men, lots of stage makeup, wigs etc. I think I have always revelled in 'hiding' - and I suppose a hairy bear suit was the ultimate hideaway. No one knew it was me!

How did you get involved with Rainbow and become the original Bungle?

The part was offered through my agent at the time, subject to an interview with the original producer, Pamela Lonsdale.

What was your brief on the character of Bungle and how much did he develop during your time in the bear suit?

Simply that Bungle was the 'child' figure - learning through play and interacting with the presenter. The rest just followed, and a kind of character emerged quite naturally as a result.

Did you have any (other) input into the show?

I had no other input to the show, except that I seem to remember I appeared 'in the flesh' as a storyteller on one occasion, and I persuaded my wife, Judy, to write some stories for the programme.

What are your memories of the programme in its early days?

Hard work!! With (I think) three shows to rehearse and record across the week we were kept fairly busy. I think, too, with a 'new' show that everyone connected with the programme was on a fairly sharp learning curve. Also, the 'educational' side of the programme was under very careful scrutiny and I recall a fair bit of script discussion between writer John Kershaw, Pamela Lonsdale and Ruth Boswell (?? executive producer??) in order to meet the latest thinking on the educational needs of the 'rising fives'. There was plenty of fun, too, of course, especially in rehearsal and actors like Peter Hawkins and Roy Skelton were hugely talented in providing the 'energy' behind the character voices that helped carry the show.

Why did you decide to move on from Rainbow?

Two reasons, really. One cannot spend a year behind a bear's mask without getting a bit 'lost' to the acting profession. I suppose there is an equivalent in getting a year's contract at the National Theatre and finding yourself relegated to the role of a 'spear-carrier' in some Shakespearean army! Nobody knows your face. One has to push it out to casting directors in the interests of getting more varied work. The other reason was one's health. The original bear suit was, shall we say, HOT. Answering question ten, if you have to spend all day wrapped up as Bungle, most of it in a small, stuffy and very brightly lit studio, you will SUFFER! As it was I had to take salt tablets to prevent the worst effects of dehydration. I'm not sure that playing Bungle conformed to the regulations on working temperatures laid down in the Shops, Factories and Offices Act. I remember being poured into a taxi on a few occasions after dancing around on some of the more energetic studio days.

Have you kept in touch with members of cast and crew?

No. Enjoyable though my year on RAINBOW was, I made a clean break.

Did you watch the programme after you left, and if so, how did the later Bungle's compare to your performance?

I was no longer a 'rising five', so my only viewing of the programme was simply to see a former acting colleague of mine settle into the role of presenter once David Cook had also left the show. Yes, I seem to remember introducing Geoffrey to Pamela Lonsdale at some point or other, and the rest, as they say, is history!

How comfortable was the bear suit?