Toby Philpott was born in the UK in February of 1946 to puppet-master, A.R. Philpott (Pantopuck) and singer/actress Sheila Moriarty. He has a sister, Julia.

While growing up Toby was surrounded by the arts, his interest in performing seemed natural given that his parents were performers.  He was particularly keen on conjuring (magic) until he was sixteen but that faded a bit until he got older.  In his late teens there was a turn of focus, which ultimately led to leaving school to find out who he was and what he wanted.

At nineteen and beyond Toby held a myriad of jobs including: archaeology, a gaff lad (a ride operator at a carnival/fair), and clubs in Soho as part of the music scene...the Sixties!  With most young people at his age at that time the urge to get out and explore the globe was compelling...and off he went.

France, US, Mexico.  Two years of traveling, performing, learning and living.

Upon returning to his homeland his desire to share his talents increased, he was ready to take on the world (or at least part of it).  He played small venues all over the country with the Raree Show (a street theatre group) and various other Fringe Theatre groups, as well as performing solo at venues from the Covent Garden Hat Fair (a street arts celebration) to children's television.  His skills with people and the arts were a perfect combination for the upcoming years.

Toby became the European Director of the International Jugglers Association and started to teach regularly, holding workshops in clowning, juggling, tumbling etc., at places such as: The City Literary Institute, The Oval House, The Rose-Bruford College of Speech and Drama and The Unicorn Theatre for Young People in London; The Edinburgh Circus Schools in Scotland; the Cardiff Summer Circus School, in Wales; the International Amateur Theatre Association; Colony Holidays; The School for Fools in Bristol and NoFit State Circus in Cardiff, Wales.  Toby also helped open and develop what is now The Circus Space in London and he was a tutor at Fool Time (with Franki Anderson) in Bristol.

In addition to street performing and teaching, Toby did a number of films that called for mime and puppetry talents (not as easy as it sounds), working on some of the most popular films made.

Toby has a daughter, Yo, and (with performer Kym Kaos) a son, Keili. Toby currently lives and works in Cardiff, Wales, UK - supporting staff computers and public Internet provision for his local library service.