Mister Maker and his shapes are on their way to a stage in Singapore this June – hurrah! We sent our junior reporter, Angelica, to find out what’s in the doodle drawer, what the shapes are like to hang out with and who IS Mister Maker when he is not being Mister Maker?
Who hasn’t tried to make something cool out of a toilet roll and a pipe cleaner for an art project with the kids on a rainy day? We are BIG fans of all things arts ‘n’ crafts here at HoneyKids so there was much excitement amongst our kids (and us!) when the news reached us that UK kids’ TV favourite, Mister Maker, is in Singapore with his live show! But who IS Mister Maker? The wacky, spiky-haired host of CBeebies’ popular art and craft show of the same name met up with our junior reporter, Angelica, during rehearsals for the show to give her the low-down on how he manages to make so much stuff in a minute, what he loves about Singapore, and why he has chicken rice on his must-try local food list.
How did you become Mister Maker? Who were you before?
I have always been Mister Maker! Even from an early age, I have always loved arts and crafts and making things.
How many times do you have to practice ‘minute make time’ before you can make it in a minute?
Ha ha – good question! I make sure I rehearse at least once every day.
Have you ever had a ‘minute make time’ that you couldn’t make in a minute?
Not yet… eek… no pressure!
What do you do with all the stuff you make on Mister Maker?
I keep everything in the Doodle Drawers!
It’s a long way from England to Singapore! Which shape did you sit next to on the plane?
I sat next to Rectangle. Triangle is too pointy to sit next to for long, and Circle and Square take up too much room!
I saw you last time you were in Singapore, and as you have come back you must like it here. What are your favourite things about Singapore?
I love Singapore – especially the warmth of the weather and the people. There’s amazing food, amazing things to see… and always loud and lovely audiences!
Have you tried any of our local food? If so, what is your favourite? (Mine is chicken rice!)
Well, I love chicken and I love rice… so that sounds perfect to me!
Do you hang out with The Shapes after the show or do you really put them back on the shelf?
The Shapes are always so sleepy… but just you wait until they get on a live stage in Singapore – they will dance like you’ve never seen them dance before! They are a little bit jet-lagged at the moment so they are having a snooze before the shows start.
Who is your favourite Shape and why?
I could never choose a favourite – I love them all. I think I’m most like Rectangle though… because I am so tall and I bounce around like him!
You (and my mum) always tell me that scissors are sharp, but actually mine are quite blunt. I think paper is quite sharp though. Do you ever get injured by scissors or paper or something else when you are being Mister Maker?
I am always very careful with scissors and paper – your mum sounds like a very clever lady!
What sort of things do you like to do when you are not being Mister Maker?
I love watching sport – especially football and cricket.
Is there a Missus Maker hiding behind the Doodle Drawer?
No… just Tocky and Scrappz!
What is your favourite thing about being Mister Maker?
One of the things that makes me most proud is that wherever we perform our live show, children and grown-ups give us such a warm and excited response. It is heart-warming to hear the reactions of the crowd and I am so thankful for their support.
Tell us five interesting facts about the real you. You have one minute to make the answers!
1) I have had spiky hair for nearly 20 years!
2) My favourite football team is Gillingham FC (English League One).
3) I have a cat called Susan.
4) My favourite vegetables are carrots and broccoli
5) I am nearly 40 years old!
Thank you Phil Gallagher, aka Mister Maker! We can’t wait to see you and the shapes on the stage!
Mister Maker and the Shapes Live, D’Marquee, Downtown East, Downtown East 1 Pasir Ris Close Singapore 519599, 10-12 June; www.sistic.com.sg
