Ep 42 - Muppet Collectibles with Mark Read and Chris Stulz!

On this episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome Muppet Fan and Musician/Producer, Mark Read, plus Muppet Fanatic Chris Stulz. They both present their best Muppet Collectibles.

 

ABOUT OUR GUESTS:

Mark Read

Mark achieved global success with UK/Norwegian 90s/00s boyband A1, releasing 5 studio albums and a string of UK and international top 5 hits, reaching the coveted no. 1 spot with ‘Same Old Brand New You’ and their cover of A-ha’s classic ‘Take On Me’. 

Their critical and popular acclaim led to numerous awards including MTV, Smash Hits, Disney Channel and the prestigious Brit award for Best Newcomer. The band split in 2002 after 4 years of chart-topping success but joined forces once again (this time as a 3-piece with Mark, Ben and Christian) in 2014 for ITV’s hugely popular documentary series The Big Reunion. The candid programme gave fans an insight into the highs and lows of the group’s history culminating in a major UK arena tour and a renewed surge of appetite from their loyal fanbase. In 2018, A1 announced that original member Paul would be reuniting with the band for the first time in 15 years for a huge 20th anniversary tour. 

Away from the band, accomplished musician and songwriter Mark has written for international artistes including Michael Bolton, Boyzone, The Hollies, John Barrowman and Charlotte Church. 

Mark has also established himself as a confident musical theatre performer. In recent years he has had lead roles in many productions including Cinderella and Aladdin and enjoyed a successful run of hit show Spoonful of Sherman and also appeared as Corny Collins in Hairspray, alongside Russell Grant as Edna. Mark also co-wrote and produced the score for Noah a Musical Adventure which toured across the UK for 2 years.

 

Chris Stulz

Chris Stulz’s obsession with all things Jim Henson started with hand-me-down toys from Sesame Street and The Muppet Show and has continued into adulthood, encompassing all kinds of Henson related items including Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth and, of course everything Muppets!

Since 2012, Chris has run the Muppet Stuff blog where shares news and other information about all kinds of Jim Henson related productions and merchandise.

His award-winning collection, aptly named The Muppet Stuff Museum, consisting of over three thousand items, was featured on MeTV’s Collector’s Call.