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Hi-5 (Australian group)

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Hi-5
Company typeChildren's entertainment group
IndustryEntertainment, music, television
Founded1998 in Sydney, Australia
FounderHelena Harris, Posie Graeme-Evans
Headquarters
Sydney
,
Australia
ProductsTelevision series, music albums, live tours

Hi-5 originated as an Australian children's musical ensemble established in 1998, coinciding with the launch of the television program developed by Helena Harris and Posie Graeme-Evans for the Nine Network, which debuted in 1999. The initial members—Kellie Crawford, Kathleen de Leon Jones, Nathan Foley, Tim Harding, and Charli Robinson—captivated preschool viewers through a combination of song, dance, and interactive play. By 2008, all founding performers had exited, leading to multiple lineup revisions. The franchise expanded to include several television seasons, music albums, and worldwide tours, featuring puppet characters such as Chatterbox and Jup Jup during live performances.

Ranked among Australia's top-earning entertainers, Hi-5 frequently appeared in Business Review Weekly’s yearly rankings, generating approximately A$18 million in revenue during 2007. As employees rather than stakeholders, the members did not hold ownership rights since the Nine Network retained full control of the brand. Their discography achieved notable commercial milestones: It's a Party attained double platinum status; Jump and Jive with Hi-5, Boom Boom Beat, and It's a Hi-5 Christmas earned platinum certifications; while Celebrate was awarded gold. Four albums secured positions within the ARIA top 10 charts: It's a Party peaked at No. 4 in July 2000; Boom Boom Beat reached No. 3 in August 2001; It's a Hi-5 Christmas hit No. 4 in December 2001; and Hi-5 Hits climbed to No. 10 in July 2003. By 2004, the original group had claimed three Logies for Most Outstanding Children's Program alongside five consecutive ARIA Music Awards for Best Children's Album.

Subsequent versions of Hi-5 did not replicate the original ensemble’s acclaim or popularity. Their final significant award nomination occurred in 2012, with their last album release following in 2014. In that same year, Nine Network divested Hi-5 to Malaysian firm Asiasons, which redirected the focus toward Southeast Asian audiences. After a brief revival with the 2017 television reboot, production was entirely shifted to Singapore, utilizing temporary cast members for touring engagements until 2019.

1998–1999: Formation

In September 1998, Hi-5 was established in Sydney as a musical group targeting young children. Helena Harris, a television producer recognized for her work on Bananas in Pyjamas, co-created the Hi-5 television series for the Nine Network. Alongside co-producer Posie Graeme-Evans, Harris crafted the program as educational entertainment for preschoolers that combined learning concepts with engaging music. The group's name was inspired by the celebratory high five gesture. Harris envisioned the five performers as relatable older siblings or friends rather than authoritative adults, aiming to resonate broadly through themes like family and animals that were easy to understand. Their approach drew from dynamic music video styles and contemporary cultural elements to maintain children's interest.

Following auditions held in June 1998 that narrowed roughly 300 applicants down to five finalists, production of the pilot episode commenced mid-year. The original lineup featured Kellie Crawford (née Hoggart), Kathleen de Leon Jones, Nathan Foley, Tim Harding, and Charli Robinson. Filming began in October 1998, leading to the series premiere on Nine Network in April 1999. In September of that year, Sony Music Australia released their first album titled Jump and Jive with Hi-5, which attained number 33 on the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Albums Chart.

2000–2006: Initial Achievements

Hi-5 received the 2000 Logie Award for Most Outstanding Children's Program alongside the ARIA Award for Best Children's Album for their release Jump and Jive with Hi-5. Their albums consistently achieved certification milestones: Celebrate attained gold status; Jump and Jive with Hi-5, Boom Boom Beat, and It's a Hi-5 Christmas were certified platinum; while It's a Party earned double platinum recognition.[1][2][3] Four of their albums reached the ARIA top 10 charts: It's a Party peaked at No. 4 in July 2000, Boom Boom Beat at No. 3 in August 2001, It's a Hi-5 Christmas at No. 4 in December 2001, and Hi-5 Hits reached No. 10 in July 2003.[4] In 2005, announcements were made regarding a feature film and a new single release.[5]

The group toured across Australia for up to eight months each year, frequently selling out venues such as the Sydney Opera House.[6][7] Their theatrical show Hi-5 Alive secured the 2002 Helpmann Award for Best Presentation for Children, while their production Space Magic was nominated in 2006.[8][9] In 2004, they extended their touring to the United Kingdom,[10] and by 2005 performed in larger Australian arenas to accommodate bigger audiences.[11] Additionally, they appeared annually at Vision Australia's Carols by Candlelight event in Melbourne, which was broadcast live on Christmas Eve by the Nine Network.[12]

2006–2008: Transition of Original Members

Early in 2006, de Leon Jones announced her pregnancy and commenced maternity leave from April. Sun Park was brought in as her temporary stand-in, participating in that year's TV series and Australian tour. After giving birth in July, de Leon Jones initially planned to return but ultimately decided to leave permanently in July 2007 to dedicate time to motherhood; Park then assumed full-time membership.

In June 2007, Harding experienced a severe motorcycle accident that hindered his performance capabilities. Stevie Nicholson was recruited as an understudy and soon became Harding’s temporary substitute. The group embarked on the Hi-5 Circus Stageshow tour in 2007, which featured circus-inspired acts such as trapeze and tightrope walking with limited preparation; Nicholson made his debut during this tour in Singapore. Harding officially exited the group in November and was succeeded by Nicholson.

Robinson (then Delaney) departed in February 2008 to pursue acting roles aimed at adult audiences and assisted with selecting her successor. By April, Casey Burgess joined the ensemble for touring duties.

In March 2008, ownership of the Hi-5 brand transferred to Nine Network and Southern Star, ending Harris and Graeme-Evans’s association with the franchise. Leadership responsibilities were assigned to executives Martin Hersov and Cathy Payne.

Towards the end of 2008, the original members remaining planned their exits. Crawford declared her decision to leave in October to explore other ventures, followed by Foley in November who wished to focus on his music career. In December, Park confirmed her departure as well, having only intended to serve temporarily. Media reports indicated that producers sought younger performers with lower costs; however, Park refuted claims of any coercion for members to resign. The outgoing cast delivered their final performance at Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve in Melbourne.

2009–2013: Second Generation

In February 2009, the group welcomed Lauren Brant, Fely Irvine, and Tim Maddren, joining forces with Nicholson and Burgess to finalize the ensemble's updated lineup. Burgess reflected on this period as challenging, expressing concerns about the group's direction moving forward. Early in 2010, they embarked on a tour across regional Australia aimed at cultivating a fresh fan base. That same year, the group celebrated the milestone of the television series' 500th episode. In 2011, they revisited and re-recorded several of their original tracks. Despite these efforts, critics generally received this lineup less enthusiastically than the original members, with some reviews specifically pointing out shortcomings in vocal performance.

Hi-5 took on ambassadorial roles for World Vision Australia starting in 2009, initiating outreach efforts in the Philippines during a promotional tour and later completing a volunteer mission in Cambodia in 2012. Additionally, from 2009 onward, they served as representatives for the Starlight Children's Foundation, participating in hospital visits coinciding with their tours.

Fely Irvine's tenure concluded with her final appearance at Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve 2011. The Nine Network announced her departure was motivated by a desire to explore alternative career paths. In January 2012, Dayen Zheng stepped in as her replacement. Early 2013 saw both Burgess and Maddren exit the group; Maddren transitioned to perform in the Australian staging of The Addams Family musical, while Burgess opted to pursue a solo music career.

Facing financial challenges in June 2012, Nine Network divested the entire Hi-5 brand to Malaysian investment firm Asiasons. Datuk Jared Lim, Asiasons’ managing director, outlined ambitions to broaden Hi-5’s reach throughout Southeast Asia while preserving its Australian operations. Julie Greene, formerly a series producer for Hi-5, assumed the role of executive creative director.

2013–2016: Third Generation and Southeast Asian Expansion

Early 2013 introduced new members Mary Lascaris and Ainsley Melham alongside Nicholson, Brant, and Zheng. The audition process was documented in a film titled Some Kind of Wonderful, which premiered exclusively at Hoyts Cinemas in Australia during March. Media outlets characterized this assembly as a "new generation" of the group.

During this era, the production company strategically shifted its commercial emphasis toward Southeast Asian markets, increasing the frequency of tours within Asia. In 2014, Hi-5 made its debut in the Middle East with a performance in Dubai and returned to Bangkok after a ten-year absence. Following a successful sold-out tour in 2014, they revisited the Philippines in 2015. Between 2013 and 2015, a new television series called Hi-5 House was produced across Singapore and Malaysia; it aired on Nick Jr. in Australia and Disney Junior throughout Asia. The show's success across Asia was recognized with an Asian Television Award for Best Preschool Program in 2015. In March 2016, Hi-5 House launched globally on Netflix.

Lauren Brant’s final appearances took place during July 2014’s Australian House Hits tour, where cast members donned costumes created under her fashion label Loliboli. Her replacement, Tanika Anderson—who had previously contributed as an understudy and puppeteer—assumed her role thereafter. Nicholson left the group in December 2015 to focus on his performing career and promote his children’s book titled Superdudes. Lachie Dearing succeeded him and was introduced during a January 2016 tour. After securing a role in an Australian production of Xanadu that same month, Melham departed from Hi-5; Gabe Brown joined as his successor in February. Subsequently, Brown was replaced by Chris White.

2016–2019: Fourth iteration and brief television comeback

In October 2016, the Nine Network extended its collaboration with the Hi-5 brand, unveiling intentions to relaunch the original TV series featuring a fresh lineup in 2017. Consequently, Zheng, Lascaris, Anderson, and White concluded their roles by December 2016. Following auditions held in November, newcomers Courtney Clarke, Shay Clifford, Joe Kalou, and Bailey Spalding joined forces with Dearing to establish the fourth cast generation of Hi-5. Their first public appearance occurred at Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve, marking the group's return to this Nine event since 2012.

The revived show was produced in Malaysia and premiered in May 2017 on Nine’s digital channel 9Go! within Australia. Nevertheless, plans for further filming in 2018 were discontinued before the Australian production office shut down and operations transitioned to Singapore. All five performers exited the franchise, which then relied on temporary touring artists through late 2018 and into 2019. While stage casting continued domestically in Australia, producers based in Singapore alongside Nine had yet to announce any confirmed television cast or episodes. Temporary touring members during this interval included Jarrod Barke, Jacqui Bramwell, and Dani Mirels.

Musical style

In 2004, Foley characterized Hi-5 as essentially "a pop group for children." The principal composer Chris Harriott was responsible for creating thousands of their songs. Prior to this, Graeme-Evans and Harriott had collaborated on theme music for teen dramas such as The Miraculous Mellops (1991) and Mirror, Mirror (1995), with Harriott also holding experience in Australian theatrical productions. The creative team commissioned him to compose chart-worthy songs specifically aimed at children aged two to six. Harriott frequently partnered with lyricists like Chris Phillips, Leone Carey, and Lisa Hoppe. Foley acknowledged inspiration from the Wiggles but highlighted that Hi-5’s musical direction was more aligned with mainstream top 40 genres rather than traditional nursery rhymes. Phillip Wilcher—original Wiggles member and classical musician—commended Hi-5 for their gentle educational approach and their ability to differentiate between being childlike and childish.

Educational value

Hi-5 and its associated television programs blended educational principles with music and movement, consistently refreshing their songs and costumes to maintain relevance. The cast members presented themselves more as older siblings or peers instead of conventional adult instructors. The show's structure loosely followed Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory by assigning each presenter a particular skill focus such as kinesthetic learning or musicality. This design enabled children to connect with presenters who reflected their preferred learning modalities. Additionally, Hi-5 integrated Piaget’s cognitive development theory by primarily targeting children aged two to eight while appealing broadly across various age groups. Harris developed themes emphasizing universal accessibility based on the premise that children worldwide share fundamental characteristics. The group’s fast-paced performance style drew influence from contemporary music videos and encouraged audience interaction through engaging live shows. In non-English-speaking regions, performances were adapted with additional songs and physical activities to boost audience involvement.

Brand and financial history

The Hi-5 brand was initially owned by its creators, Harris and Graeme-Evans, through their production company Kids Like Us. Unlike similar acts such as the Wiggles, the members of Hi-5 did not possess ownership stakes but were employed directly by the brand. In March 2008, ownership transferred to Nine Network and Southern Star, who placed the brand under the leadership of executives Martin Hersov and Cathy Payne, coinciding with the departure of Harris and Graeme-Evans. Graeme-Evans remained involved only as co-producer during the first two seasons.

Between 2009 and 2010, the brand’s valuation dropped from A$18 million to A$9.7 million. In June 2012, Nine divested Hi-5 to the Asian investment firm Asiasons through a private equity fund, with an objective to broaden its presence in Southeast Asia while retaining operations in Australia. Julie Greene, a former producer, was appointed executive creative director. By 2014, after the equity fund was sold, Hi-5 was consolidated under Tremendous Entertainment. Nine Network re-established collaboration in 2016, co-producing a new series released in 2017. The Australian production office ceased operations in September 2018, with franchise management moving to Singapore.

Hi-5 expanded internationally by developing local versions and touring globally. An American adaptation debuted in 2002, featuring television programs, music albums, and live tours. Although plans for franchises in India, South America, and Germany were announced by 2005, these did not come to fruition. The UK version launched in 2008 with its own TV show and tour. Following ownership changes after 2012, the brand reverted to licensing international adaptations: a Latin American edition appeared in 2014, followed by versions in the Philippines (2015) and Indonesia (2017).

Commercial achievements

According to Business Review Weekly, Hi-5 ranked among Australia's highest-earning entertainment groups in their annual income report, with estimated revenues of A$18 million in 2007. That year, it was recognized as Australia's leading children’s music franchise. The original cast consistently earned ARIA certifications: Celebrate achieved gold status; Jump and Jive with Hi-5, Boom Boom Beat, and It's a Hi-5 Christmas were certified platinum; while It's a Party reached double platinum. Four albums from the initial lineup entered the ARIA top 10 charts: It's a Party (#4), Boom Boom Beat (#3), It's a Hi-5 Christmas (#4), and Hi-5 Hits (#10).

Critical response

Hi-5 received positive reviews from Australian critics for delivering quality entertainment tailored to children, particularly praising the original members’ chemistry along with their singing and dancing abilities. The group was noted for its lively performances, enthusiastic energy, and catchy pop-inspired tunes. Its diverse cast served as admirable role models, enhancing appeal across audiences. Live tours garnered acclaim for their brisk pacing and colorful staging; notably, a circus-themed tour in 2008 was lauded for its versatility and joyful atmosphere. The productions skillfully blended humor with slapstick comedy that resonated with both kids and adult viewers; for example, some adult fans in the Philippines used Hi-5 songs as tools for learning English.

However, later versions faced critique regarding inconsistent performance quality and frequent cast turnovers. Sarrah Le Marquand from The Daily Telegraph questioned Brant’s vocal abilities and described that lineup as "melodically challenged." A business blog highlighted confusion over the intended audience demographic, suggesting that the music and choreography appeared overly complex for preschool children. The Australian Council on Children and the Media reported parental concerns about inappropriate costumes and early sexualization themes. Repeated cast changes contributed to perceptions of unrecognizable ensembles. David Knox reviewed their 2016 debut at Carols by Candlelight as forgettable, implying that the group’s strengths were not effectively showcased during that event.

Members

Founding members

Past members

  • Tim Maddren (2009–2013)
  • Dayen Zheng (2012–2016)
  • Mary Lascaris (2013–2016)
  • Ainsley Melham (2013–2016)
  • Tanika Anderson (2014–2016)
  • Lachie Dearing (2016–2018)
  • Gabe Brown (2016)
  • Chris White (2016)
  • Courtney Clarke (2016–2018)
  • Shay Clifford (2016–2018)
  • Joe Kalou (2016–2018)
  • Bailey Spalding (2016–2018)


Timeline

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id:guest         value:magenta     legend:Guest_performer

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bar:Leon            text:"Kathleen de Leon Jones"
bar:Park            text:"Sun Park"
bar:Irvine          text:"Fely Irvine"
bar:Zheng           text:"Dayen Zheng"
bar:Clifford        text:"Shay Clifford"
bar:Harding         text:"Tim Harding"
bar:Nicholson       text:"Stevie Nicholson"
bar:Dearing         text:"Lachie Dearing"
bar:Robinson        text:"Charli Robinson"
bar:Burgess         text:"Casey Burgess"
bar:Lascaris        text:"Mary Lascaris"
bar:Spalding        text:"Bailey Spalding"
bar:Crawford        text:"Kellie Crawford"
bar:Brant           text:"Lauren Brant"
bar:Anderson        text:"Tanika Anderson"
bar:Clarke          text:"Courtney Clarke"
bar:Foley           text:"Nathan Foley"
bar:Maddren         text:"Tim Maddren"
bar:Melham          text:"Ainsley Melham"
bar:Brown           text:"Gabe Brown"
bar:White           text:"Chris White"
bar:Kalou           text:"Joe Kalou"

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bar:Zheng           from:01/01/2012 till:25/12/2016 color:former
bar:Clifford        from:15/12/2016 till:19/07/2018 color:former

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bar:Harding         from:04/06/2007 till:20/11/2007 color:inactive
bar:Nicholson       from:04/06/2007 till:22/12/2015 color:former
bar:Dearing         from:01/01/2016 till:19/07/2018 color:former
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bar:Lascaris        from:23/01/2013 till:25/12/2016 color:former
bar:Spalding        from:15/12/2016 till:19/07/2018 color:former

bar:Crawford        from:start      till:25/12/2008 color:original
bar:Brant           from:05/01/2009 till:12/07/2014 color:former
bar:[Anderson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanika_Anderson)        from:[01-10-13](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanika_Anderson) till:[12-07-14](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanika_Anderson) color:swing
bar:[Anderson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanika_Anderson)        from:[12-07-14](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanika_Anderson) till:[25-12-16](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanika_Anderson) color:[former](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanika_Anderson)
bar:[Clarke](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courtney_Clarke_(performer))          from:[15-12-16](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courtney_Clarke_(performer)) till:[19-07-18](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courtney_Clarke_(performer)) color:[former](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courtney_Clarke_(performer))

</timeline>

Discography

  • Jump and Jive with Hi-5 (1999)
  • It's a Party (2000)
  • Boom Boom Beat (2001)
  • It's a Hi-5 Christmas (2001)
  • Celebrate (2002)
  • Hi-5 Holiday (2003)
  • Jingle Jangle Jingle with Hi-5 (2004)
  • Making Music (2005)
  • Wish Upon a Star (2006)
  • Wow! (2007)
  • Planet Earth (2008)
  • Spin Me Round (2009)
  • Turn the Music Up! (2010)
  • Sing it Loud (2011)
  • Hi-5 Hot Hits! (2014)


Awards and nominations

References

Notes


Citations


Bibliography

External links

Compilation of accolades and nominations earned by Hi-5
Award Year Nominee(s) Category Outcome
ADVIA Awards 2006 Action Heroes Best DVD Marketing Campaign
Apollo Awards 2015 Chris Harriott, Various contributors (for Hi-5 House) Best Music Composition (Full Length)
APRA Screen Music Awards 2002 Chris Harriott, Lisa Hoppe, Chris Phillips (for "Opposites Attract") Best Music for Children's Television
Chris Harriott, Various (for songlets)
2003 Chris Harriott, Lisa Hoppe (for "Celebrate")
2005 Chris Harriott, Leone Carey (for "Making Music") Best Original Song Composed for a Feature Film, Telemovie, TV Series or Mini-Series
ARIA Music Awards 2000 Jump and Jive with Hi-5 Best Children's Album
2001 It's a Party
2002 Boom Boom Beat
2003 Celebrate
2004 Hi-5 Holiday
2005 Making Music
2006 Wish Upon a Star
2007 Wow!
2008 Planet Earth
2011 'Turn the Music Up!
2012 Sing it Loud
Asian Academy Creative Awards 2018 Hi-5 (for "Vehicles") Best Children's Entertainment or Drama
2018 Hi-5 (for "Cultural Festivals") Best Preschool Programme
Asian Television Awards 2007 Hi-5 Best Children's Programme Runner-up
2010
2015 Hi-5 House Best Preschool Programme
2016
2017 Hi-5
Helpmann Awards 2002 Hi-5 Alive Best Presentation for Children
2006 Space Magic
2000 'Hi-5' 'Most Outstanding Children's Program'
'2001' 'Hi-5' 'Most Outstanding Children's Program'
'2002' 'Hi-5' 'Most Outstanding Children's Program'
'2003' 'Hi-5' 'Most Outstanding Children's Program'
'2004' 'Hi-5' 'Most Outstanding Children's Preschool Program'
'2005' 'Hi-5' 'Most Outstanding Children's Program'
'2006' 'Hi-5' 'Most Outstanding Children's Program'
'2008' 'Hi-5' 'Most Outstanding Children's Program'
'2010' 'Hi-5' 'Most Outstanding Children's Program'
'2011' 'Hi-5' 'Most Outstanding Children's Program'
  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named accreditations2000
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  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named aus charts
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named hindi
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named scoop.co.nz
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named hittown
  8. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named helpmann2002
  9. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named helpmann2006
  10. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named bbc.co.uk
  11. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named theage2005
  12. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named carols
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