John Sparkes
- 70 years old
- Welsh
- Actor and writer
Press clippings
A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon review
Kids and fans of Shaun The Sheep will get a kick out of his latest extra-terrestrial adventures. A solid video and excellent audio presentation make up for a lacklustre set of extras.
Chris Philp, The Digital Fix, 10th February 2020A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon Blu-ray review
What is there left to say about Aardman animation? Consistently brilliant for decades, their latest film, the sequel to 2015s Shaun The Sheep Movie is another absolute gem. Essentially a modern-day silent film, Farmageddon is a delightful, warm-hearted adventure that had me giggling all the way through, and at some points absolutely howling with laughter.
John Parker, Entertainment Focus, 9th February 2020Bristol-based Aardman Animation takes one giant leap for lambkind by introducing a rainbow-coloured alien to the tranquil surroundings of Mossingham. Denizens of Mossy Bottom Farm including the naughty pigs and rooster (the clucking image of Rocky from Chicken Run) remain in the background of Jon Brown and Mark Burton's script.
The sequel is lighter on visual gags - a local supermarket stocks jars of Roswell's jam and signage for H.G. Wheels Autos is a cute nod to The War Of The Worlds - but action set pieces are orchestrated with brio.
Shaun (Justin Fletcher) and his farmyard buddies clash with Bitzer the sheepdog (John Sparkes), who wants to restrict fun in the absence of Farmer John (Chris Morrell).
While the master is lost in fanciful daydreams of purchasing a new combine harvester, Shaun and the flock drive Bitzer to the brink of barking madness by firing sheep out of a giant cannon.
Late one night, an alien spaceship descends on Mossingham and a cute creature called Lu-La (Amalia Vitale) finds its way - via a pizza delivery cyclist - to the farm. Shaun stumbles upon Lu-La in a barn and befriends the extra-terrestrial with slices of leftover pizza.
The plucky sheep vows to help the stricken extra-terrestrial return to her hidden spaceship and send a distress signal into outer space. Unfortunately, Agent Red (Kate Harbour) and her team of operatives in bright yellow hazmat suits are on Lu-La's trail and they intend to capture the alien.
A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is an entertaining sequel, which replicates the emotional heartbeats of Spielberg's classic ET, underscored with earthy humour and lively musical interludes.
Damon Smith, The National (Scotland), 22nd October 2019Radio comedies up for BBC Audio Awards 2018
Shows starring Harry Enfield, Paul Whitehouse, John Finnemore, Marcus Brigstocke, David Jason and Jocelyn Jee Esien are amongst the nominees for the BBC Audio Drama Awards 2018.
British Comedy Guide, 21st November 2017John Sparkes is the comic behind Peppa Pig voices
He could be described as the most reliable babysitter you never knew you had. John Sparkes is the understated Welsh comedian who does not just narrate the $1bn (£890m) Peppa Pig global franchise - the UK's greatest cartoon export - but he is also the lyrical wizard behind children TV's favourite characters.
Peter Shuttleworth, BBC, 8th June 2017Absolutely returns to Radio 4
Sketch team Absolutely are due to return to Radio 4 for a second series of The Absolutely Radio Show.
British Comedy Guide, 2nd February 2017John Sparkes enjoys a visit to South Wales Evening Post
Hugh Pugh, the alter ego of Welsh comedian John Sparkes, has paid a visit to the South Wales Evening Post while on a return visit to the city where he grew up in the 1960s.
South Wales Evening Post, 10th November 2015John Sparkes resurrects Siadwell
For the first time in 25 years, Siadwell is returning to the BBC for a four-part series on Radio Wales.
David Owens, Wales Online, 30th November 2013Panel of Experts: Still absolutely inspired
Five members of the 1990s sketch show Absolutely - Gordon Kennedy, Pete Baikie, Jack Docherty, Moray Hunter and John Sparkes - look back at their old selves in their second series
Ed Potton, The Times, 3rd May 2008