Play School (Australian TV series)
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Children's television, Early childhood education |
| Founded | July 18, 1966 |
| Founder | Australian Broadcasting Corporation educational division |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Television program, spin-offs, music albums |
| Website | www |
Play School is an Australian early childhood educational television program developed by the educational division of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), inspired by the original British format created by Joy Whitby. The show features presenters who are former educators as well as acclaimed actors and musicians from stage and screen. It holds the distinction of being Australia's longest-running children's television series and ranks second globally, following the British program Blue Peter.
By 2003, nearly 80% of Australian children under six tuned in to watch the show each week.
In 2006, coinciding with its 40th anniversary, Play School was inducted into the Logie Hall of Fame, becoming one of only five Australian television programs to receive this prestigious accolade.
History
The debut of Play School occurred on 18 July 1966, modeled after the British original of the same name. The UK version aired from 1964 until 1988 before its concept was adapted for Australian audiences. Since its inception, the Australian production has been continuously broadcast and has served as a launching platform for numerous actors and presenters within Australia.
As the third program to be honored in the Logies' Hall of Fame—following Four Corners in 1992 and Neighbours in 2005—Play School became the first children's series to achieve this recognition.
During the Logie Awards of 2006, a retrospective segment was presented, featuring both former and current presenters accepting the award alongside iconic toys from the show, culminating in a collective rendition of the Play School theme song.
Notably, in 1992, Play School included an early appearance by the Australian children's music group the Wiggles during a "through-the-windows" segment.
On 4 July 2011, the program updated its opening sequence incorporating stop motion and computer-generated animation, paired with a refreshed theme tune performed by presenters Jay Laga'aia and Justine Clarke.
50th anniversary
In 2016, Play School marked its fiftieth year with a month-long celebration. Beginning on 4 July, it launched Play School Celebrity Covers, featuring various artists performing cover versions of classic songs to commemorate this milestone.
List of covers
| Date | Time | Celebrity | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 July | 8 am | Benita Collings & Don Spencer | "Teddy Bears' Picnic" |
| 5 pm | Missy Higgins | "Three Little Fishies" | |
| 5 July | 8 am | Carrie Bickmore | "Family Forest" |
| 5 pm | Guy Sebastian | "Singin' in the Rain" | |
| 6 July | 8 am | Dan Sultan | "The Wheels on the Bus" |
| 5 pm | Bernard Fanning | "Morningtown Ride" | |
| 7 July | 8 am | Delta Goodrem | "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" |
| "Moon, Moon" | |||
| 5 pm | Emma Watkins | "There's a Bear in There" | |
| 8 July | 8 am | John Hamblin | "I'm a Little Teapot" |
| 5 pm | Kurt Fearnley & Rachael Coopes | "Going on a Bear Hunt" | |
| 9 July | 8 am | Annabel Crabb and Leigh Sales | "Singing in the Kitchen" |
| 5 pm | Kate Ceberano & daughter Gypsy | "I Like Peace, I Like Quiet" | |
| 10 July | 8 am | Costa Georgiadis | "Worm at the Bottom of My Garden" |
| "Wiggerly Woo" | |||
| 5 pm | Caitlin Cooper, Ellie Carpenter and Michelle Heyman | "If You're Happy and You Know It" | |
| 11 July | 8 am | Dami Im | "Over the Rainbow" |
| 5 pm | Adam Goodes | "Counting Aussie Animals in My Backyard" | |
| 12 July | 8 am | You Am I | "One Potato, Two Potato" |
| 5 pm | Katie Noonan | "I Can Sing a Rainbow" |
On 8 July 2019, Aboriginal hosts Luke Carroll, Miranda Tapsell, and Hunter Page-Lochard presented a special edition that included an Acknowledgement of Country, honoring Australia's Indigenous peoples. This episode shared insights into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures while highlighting the significance of caring for Country. Additionally, it introduced a new doll named "Kiya," accompanied by Matthew Doyle performing didgeridoo music.
Spin-offs
Numerous spin-off series derived from Play School have been broadcast on ABC Kids, generally featuring shorter episodes. These include titles such as Little Ted's Big Adventure, Jemima's Big Adventure, Big Ted's Big Adventure, Humpty's Big Adventure, Maurice's Big Adventure, and Joey's Big Adventure. Additionally, there are themed variations like Play School Story Time, Play School Art Time, Play School Nursery Rhyme News Time, Play School Art Crew, Play School Song Time, Play School Science Time, Play School Show Time, and Play School Story Time: Languages.
Format
The program consists of segments with activities, songs, and games, where hosts alternate their roles and frequently collaborate. Each episode typically incorporates a calendar check, story reading, and viewing through the signature windows. From 1976 until 2000, the set prominently featured a rocket-shaped clock, while a flower-shaped clock was used from 1966 through 2000; both clocks were key visual elements of the production design. Introduced in 1976, the rocket clock was accompanied by unique space-themed music and lighting effects that unveiled daily dioramas. The colorful wooden Flower Clock made its debut in 1975 alongside other set enhancements coinciding with Australia's transition to color television.
The windows were modeled after those in the original British version, with subtle distinctions; their backgrounds changed from black before 1967 to white, then shifted to light blue in 1985. A modest redesign in 1987 marking the show's 21st anniversary refreshed the set and theme song but reverted window styles by 1988 due to audience feedback. A further update in 1992 introduced new shelving and mid-season added colorful tree-shaped decorations.
Episodes aired weekly focusing on themes such as Dinosaurs, Opposites, Zoo Animals, Food, Clothes, Games, Art, Hair, Hats, Shapes, Road Safety, and Vehicles. Due to budget constraints permitting only 45 new episodes per year—organized into nine weekly thematic blocks—episodes were rerun multiple times over six to seven years before being recycled.
In 2000, a comprehensive redesign retired both the rocket and flower clocks as well as the original windows in favor of a contemporary aesthetic; these items were subsequently preserved by the National Museum of Australia. The main clock was replaced by a simpler Play School Clock operated by presenters to reveal story clues from a trolley between 2000 and 2003. The Hickory Dickory Clock was introduced in 2001 featuring animated components linked to the nursery rhyme. In 2005, the Train Clock appeared with a train revealing story hints at a station-themed set. The rocket clock returned in 2017 with sliding doors that displayed clues related to the story.
Window designs underwent significant changes: initially mounted on a rotating mechanism controlled by presenters during themed weeks such as "Messy," these were later replaced by animated windows showing characters adjacent to each shape (round, square, diamond, arched) transitioning into pre-recorded segments. Subsequently, this evolved into CGI animations styled like crafts accompanied by theme-specific music for each window.
Pianists
Historically, the show employed a musical director who provided live piano accompaniment for the hosts. Among them, Warren Carr notably served as musical director for over two decades and occasionally appeared on screen.
Various pianists have contributed their talents to Play School throughout its history:
Theme song
The signature tune of Play School, titled "There's a Bear in There," was created by Australian composer Richard Connolly with lyrics penned by Rosemary Milne.
In 2016, Andre Butterworth, known as Copycatt, produced a remix of the song that won the Triple J Play School remix contest. This version, alongside remixes by KLP and Jondrette Den, was included in the compilation album Famous Friends: Celebrating 50 Years of Play School.
The following year, "There's a Bear in There" was honored by being added to the National Film and Sound Archive's Sounds of Australia registry, highlighting its importance in Australian culture.
Albums
- Hey Diddle Diddle (1976)
- Hickory Dickory (1978)
- Humpty Dumpty (1981)
- Wiggerly Woo (1984)
- There's a Bear in There (1987)
- ...It's Play School (1991)
- The Best of Play School (1993)
- Oomba Baroomba (1994)
- Play School Favourites (1996)
- In The Car (1997)
- Hullabaloo (1999)
- Favourite Play School Nursery Rhymes (2002)
- Hip Hip Hooray (2002)
- Sing-a-Long Songs (2004)
- Let's Play Together (2011)
- Come and Play 45th Anniversary (2011)
- Big Ted, Prince of Bears (2014)
- Favourite Things Songs and Nursery Rhymes from Play School (2014)
- Play School: Jemima's Big Adventure (2015)
- Once Upon a Time (2015)
- Famous Friends: Celebrating 50 Years of Play School (2016)
- Play School: 50 Best Songs (2016)
- Very Jazzy Street Party (2022)
AACTA Awards
|- |2016 |Play School |Best Children's Television Series | |- |2024 |Play School: Big Ted's Time Machine |Best Children's Series |
AIR Awards
The Australian Independent Record Awards (AIR Awards) annually celebrate and acknowledge achievements within Australia's independent music industry.
! |- | 2023 | Very Jazzy Street Party | Best Independent Children's Album or EP |
TV Week Logie Awards
|- | 1990 | rowspan="11"| Play School | rowspan="4"| Most Popular Children's Program | |- | 1992 | |- | 1993 | |- | 1996 | |- | 1998 | Most Outstanding Achievement in Children's Television | |- | 2000 | Most Outstanding Children's Program | |- | 2004 | Most Outstanding Children's Preschool Program | |- | 2006 | Hall of Fame | |- | 2014 | Most Outstanding Children's Program | |- | 2024 | rowspan="2"|Best Children's Program | |- | 2025 [1]
ARIA Music Awards
|- | 1995 | Oomba Baroomba | rowspan="8"| Best Children's Album | |- | 1997 | In the Car | |- | 2000 | Hullabaloo | |- | 2003 | Hip Hip Hooray | |- | 2011 | Let's Play Together | |- | 2015 | Favourite Things – Songs and Nursery Rhymes from Play School | |- | 2016 | Famous Friends: Celebrating 50 Years of Play School | |-
| 2023 ARIA Music Awards | Very Jazzy Street Party |
AIMIA Awards
|- | 2014 | ABC4Kids Play School Play Time | Best of Tablet – Entertainment |
Toys
- Big Ted (teddy bear) (1966–present)
- Little Ted (teddy bear) (1966–present)
- Hamble (plastic doll) (1966–93)
- Jemima (rag doll) (1966–present)
- Humpty (egg-shaped toy inspired by Humpty Dumpty) (1966–present)
- Slush (toy pig) (1970s–present)
- Maurice (teddy bear) (1987–present)
- Meeka (plastic doll, possibly representing Asian heritage) (1993–present)
- Dan (plastic doll representing Australian Aboriginal heritage) (mid-2000s)
- Jim (plastic doll representing Australian Aboriginal heritage) (1985–2000s)
- Scrap (toy dog) (1970s or 1980s–present)
- Diddle (toy cat) (1966–present)
- Fergus (toy frog) (1994–present)
- Sam the Lamb (toy lamb) (1980s or '90s–present)
- Banana (banana-shaped toy in pyjamas, linked to Bananas in Pyjamas) (1976–2010)
- Daisy (toy cow) ('80s or '90s–present)
- Henny Penny (toy hen) ('80s or '90s–present)
- Goosy Lucy (toy goose) ('80s or '90s)
- Kim and Lisa (plastic twin dolls representing Korean descent) ('80s or '90s–present)
- Darcy (toy donkey) ('90s or 2000s–present)
- Henry and Henrietta (toy mice)
- Troy and Tony (twin teddy bears) ('90s or 2000s)
- Owl (toy owl) ('90s to 2000s–present)
- Tippy (toy duck) (2011–present)
- Mukundan Jr (toy lion) (2000s or 2010s)
- Fido (toy dog) (2000s to 2010s)
- Joey (toy kangaroo), created by award-winning illustrator Bruce Whatley, introduced in the 50th anniversary edition in 2016
- Kiya (doll of Australian Aboriginal descent), launched during an Acknowledgement of Country special for NAIDOC Week 2019
Educational Approach
Since its beginning, Play School has emphasized inclusivity, joyful learning, and fostering curiosity. The role of presenter is highly regarded and challenging, with those involved considering themselves instrumental in shaping early childhood development.
The program's core philosophy invites children "to wonder, to think, to feel and to imagine". Typically featuring a male-female presenting duo, though occasionally same-gender pairs, presenters engage directly with viewers to build a trusted rapport. This connection is enriched through stories, songs, and activities that mirror the diverse experiences of Australian children.
"Two mums" segment
On 31 May 2004, a "through the windows" segment narrated by Brenna Harding included the phrase "My Mums are taking me and my friend Merryn to an amusement park." This prompted media debate and criticism from three federal ministers. The ABC defended the content, emphasizing that Play School represents Australia's diverse population in terms of race, religion, and family structures. Producers clarified that the scene depicted a girl with her birth mother and stepmother, although many viewers interpreted it as portraying a lesbian couple.
Making a "bong"
An episode from 2013 showed presenter Alex Papps assembling a device using a straw inserted into a plastic bottle filled with hot water, which unintentionally resembled a bong. This issue resurfaced when the episode was re-aired in 2015.
"Grooming" allegation
In October 2022, drag performer Courtney Act featured on the spin-off series Play School Story Time, reading Kat Patrick's The Spectacular Suit. The appearance attracted media scrutiny after Senator Alex Antic criticized ABC for inviting a drag queen to read a story about a girl who prefers pants over dresses, accusing it of "grooming" during a Senate Estimates hearing. Antic questioned ABC managing director David Anderson about exposing children to "adult content" and suggested a connection to "gender dysphoria." Anderson rejected these allegations, while Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young condemned Antic's comments as "deeply offensive." Act defended her participation through opinion articles and media interviews, highlighting its educational significance.
Logo Evolution
Throughout its history, Play School has showcased various logos and opening sequences. Initially featuring simple animations accompanied by presenter vocals, these elements have evolved over time. The current logo, introduced in 2011, employs stop-motion animation with vocals performed by presenters Justine Clarke and Jay Laga'aia.
Presenters
Australian musician Don Spencer was an influential host for nearly three decades and released related music records. He appeared alongside Diana Dorgan, the sole presenter featured on both Australian and British versions.
Long-serving presenters include Australian actress Benita Collings with a tenure of 30 years and British-Australian actor John Hamblin, who contributed for 29 years. Other presenters with significant service durations are Sofya Gollan (28 years), Simon Burke (26 years), Karen Pang (25 years), as well as both Andrew McFarlane and Justine Clarke at 24 years each, along with Noni Hazlehurst who served for 23 years.
While preschool education specialists develop the content, presenters are professional actors or musicians skilled at engaging young audiences.
Current Presenters
| Presenter | Tenure | Ref |
|---|---|---|
| Karen Pang | Since 1999 | |
| Andrew McFarlane | Since 2000 | |
| Justine Clarke | Since 2000 | |
| Leah Vandenberg | Since 2000 | |
| Teo Gebert | Since 2004 | |
| Alex Papps | Since 2006 | |
| Abi Tucker | Since 2009 | |
| Luke Carroll | Since 2010 | |
| Emma Palmer | Since 2011 | |
| Rachael Coopes | Since 2011 | |
| Michelle Lim Davidson | Since 2013 | |
| Zindzi Okenyo | Since 2013 | |
| Hunter Page-Lochard | Since 2018 | |
| Matthew Backer | Since 2017 | |
| Kaeng Chan | Since 2018 | |
| Miah Madden | Since 2022 | |
| Takaya Honda | Since 2015 |
Former Presenters
Over its extensive history, the program has featured numerous distinguished actors and musicians.
David McCubbin | 1991–1995 | Sofya Gollan | 1992–2020 | Sarah Chadwick | 1991 | Pauline McLeod | 1990–2003 | Monica Trapaga | 1990–1998 | Tara Morice | 1989, 1993 | James Valentine | 1989, 1992 Simon BurkeLiz BurchTrisha GoddardAnna Maria MonticelliGeorge Spartels Merridy Eastman Liddy ClarkTyler CoppinPhilip QuastLynette CurranElaine HudsonBarbara FrawleyJenny Ludlam Mervyn Drake Colin FrielsNoni Hazlehurst Judy Cannon Roslyn GentleMary Ann SevernePeter SumnerJohn WatersJohn Hamblin Richard Bradshaw Benita Collings Jan Kingsbury Ken ShorterDon Spencer Darlene Johnson Tom Oliver Nehama Patkin Lorraine Bayly Kerry Francis Anne Haddy Donald Macdonald Peter Drake Evan Dunstan Patsy King Ann Stroh David Yorston Alister Smart Diane Dorgan| Presenter | Tenure |
|---|---|
| Kiruna Stamell | 2018–2020 |
| Miranda Tapsell | 2016–2019 |
| Eddie Perfect | 2015–2024 |
| Essie Davis | 2009–2011 |
| Hugh Sheridan | 2009–2013 |
| Georgie Parker | 2006–2012 |
| Brooke Satchwell | 2006–2009 |
| Matt Passmore | 2002–2011 |
| Ling-Hsueh Tang | 2002 |
| Dasi Ruz | 2000 |
| Rhys Muldoon | 2000–2012 |
| Jay Laga'aia | 2000–2014 |
| Mark Owen-Taylor | 2000 |
| David Whitney | 2001 |
| Deborah Mailman | 1998–2002 |
| Glenn Butcher | 1997–2000 |
| Jamie Oxenbould | 1997 |
| Joy Hopwood | 1995–1997 |
| David James | 1994–2000 |
| Angela Moore | 1994–2000 |
| Nicholas Opolski | 1993–1994 |
| Jeremy Scrivener | 1993–1994 |
| Colin Buchanan | 1992–1999 |
| Carlton Lamb | 1992–1993 |
| Georgie Goldstein | 1995–1996 |
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1966 original cast member |
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1966 original cast member |
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1966 original cast member |
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External links |
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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