The Kingdom of Paramithi
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Children's television |
| Founded | November 10, 2008 |
| Founder | Anthony Field, Paul Field |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Children's television programming |
The Kingdom of Paramithi is an Australian children's television series that debuted on the Nine Network on 10 November 2008. Developed collaboratively by The Wiggles and Nickelodeon, the series comprises 30 episodes, each lasting thirty minutes, aimed specifically at preschool viewers.
The show presents a blend of fairy tale narratives, music, and dance, with Paramithi translating to fairy tale in Greek. Created by Anthony Field and Paul Field, with scriptwriting contributions from Paul Field and Paul Paddick, the production benefits from the creative input of The Wiggles' team.
Following its premiere, the program was broadcast on Nick Jr. in December 2008 and later appeared on ABC2 within the Wiggly Waffle segment in May 2011. It also expanded its reach internationally by airing on Hong Kong's ATV World channel.
Characters
- King John (Simon Pryce)
- Queen Isabella (Carolyn Ferrie)
- James (John Rowe)
- Genevieve (Kendall Goddard)
- Anastasia (Cassie Howarth)
- Johnny (John Martin)
- Mario (Paul Paddick)
- Bobby (Brad Carroll)
- Bernadette (Fiona Sullivan)
- Sarah (Jennifer Andrade)
- Carlos (Fernando Jorge Moguel)
Episodes
| # | Title | Summary | Air Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cinderella | In a theatrical presentation, King John and Queen Isabella introduce "Cinderella," with Sarah portraying Cinderella, Bernadette as the Wicked Stepmother, Carlos as the Prince, and Bobby as the King. | 10 November 2008 |
| 2 | Robin Hood | Genevieve opens with a ballet introduction before the cast performs "Robin Hood," featuring Bobby as Robin Hood and Sarah as Maid Marion at the Paramithi theatre. | 21 November 2008 |
| 3 | The Princess and the Frog | The royal library reveals the tale "The Princess and the Frog," enacted with Carlos as the frog and Bernadette playing the Princess. | 19 November 2008 |
| 4 | Three Little Pigs | Following an award ceremony for Alang, the team stages "The Three Little Pigs" musical, with King John taking on the role of the third pig. | 22 November 2008 |
| 5 | Aladdin and His Magic Lamp | "Aladdin and His Magic Lamp" from One Thousand and One Nights is performed, starring Carlos as Aladdin and Bobby as the genie. | 24 November 2008 |
| 6 | Goldilocks and the Three Bears | A musical adaptation features Sarah as Goldilocks alongside Bobby, Carlos, and Bernadette portraying the three bears. | 25 November 2008 |
| 7 | Jack and the Beanstalk | "Jack and the Beanstalk" is produced with Carlos cast as Jack, Bobby as the giant, and Sarah playing the golden goose. | 27 November 2008 |
| 8 | Androcles and the Lion | "Androcles and the Lion," an Aesop fable, is successfully staged following a royal presentation. | 31 November 2008 |
| 9 | Beauty and the Beast | "Beauty and the Beast" features Bobby in the role of Beast and Sarah as Beauty in a well-received theatrical performance. | 1 December 2008 |
| 10 | Pinocchio | "Pinocchio," adapted from Carlo Collodi's story, is performed with Carlos starring in the lead role. | 2 December 2008 |
Music
The majority of the songs featured in the series are parodic adaptations of musical pieces originally from renowned Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas, while the remaining tracks draw from compositions of the classical era. In 2009, an album was released that includes numerous songs from The Kingdom of Paramithi.
Catalogue of Gilbert and Sullivan Adaptations
- The flowers that bloom in the spring (originating from The Mikado) – serves as the show's theme and appears in episode 23; album: "The Kingdom Of Paramithi"
- On a tree by a river (from The Mikado) – used during credits and in episodes 12 and 27; album: "It's Goodbye"
- He is an Englishman (from H.M.S Pinafore) – recurring theme; album: "Medal Presentation"
- Never mind the why and wherefore (from H.M.S Pinafore) – recurring; album: "Now We Can Put On A Show"
- Dance a cachucha (from The Gondoliers) – recurring; album: "Let's Get The Costumes"
- With cat-like tread, upon our prey we steal (from The Pirates of Penzance) – recurring; album: "We Need A Cast"
- Hereupon we're both agreed (from The Yeomen of the Guard) – featured in episodes 1 and 19; album: "Tell A Tale Of Puss In Boots"
- If you want to know who we are (from The Mikado) – episode 2; album: "My Name Is Robin Hood"
- I am a courtier grave and serious (from The Gondoliers) – episodes 3 and 13; album: "I Am A Green Frog"
- Here's a how-de-do (from The Mikado) – episodes 4 and 5; album: "Here's A Magic Lamp"
- Oh, better far to live and die (from The Pirates of Penzance) – episodes 5 and 22; album: "I'm Paramithi's King"
- Three little maids from school are we (from The Mikado) – episode 6; three separate renditions on album: "Three Lovely Bowls," "Three Lovely Chairs," and "Three Lovely Beds"
- If you go in you're sure to win and Soon as we may, off and away (from Iolanthe) – episode 7; album: "Faint Heart Never Won The Treasure"
- I have a song to sing, O! (from The Yeomen of the Guard) – episode 8; album version titled "We Prayed For The Sight Of The Navy" is exclusive to the soundtrack
- When a merry maiden marries (from The Gondoliers) – episodes 9 and 14; album: "Let Me In, It's Cold And Raining"
- A magnet hung in a hardware shop (from Patience) – episodes 10 and 30; album: "Pinocchio"
- I am the very model of a modern Major-General (from The Pirates of Penzance) – episodes 11, 20, and 29; album: "I'm The Major General Of Paramithi"
- My gallant crew, good morning ... I am the Captain of the Pinafore (from H.M.S Pinafore) – episode 11; album: "I Am Captain Jeremiah"
- I'm called Little Buttercup (from H.M.S Pinafore) – episodes 12 and 22; not featured on the album
- My eyes are fully open (from Ruddigore) – episode 13; album: "The Batter Song"
- Take a pair of sparkling eyes (from The Gondoliers) – episode 14; excluded from the album
- When I, good friends, was call'd to the Bar (from Trial By Jury) – episode 15; album: "So Now I'm A King"
- When first my old, old love I knew (from Trial By Jury) – episodes 16, 18, and 20; album: "Anastasia's Song"
- When I was a lad (from H.M.S Pinafore) – episode 17; omitted from the album
- Poor wand'ring one (from The Pirates of Penzance) – episode 20; album: "Poor Lovely Swan"
- Kind sir, you cannot have the heart (from The Gondoliers) – episode 25; not included on the album
- I've jibe and joke (from The Yeomen of the Guard) – episode 26; not present on the album
Home Media Releases
In 2009, Roadshow Entertainment issued The Kingdom of Paramithi on DVD. Additional releases comprise All Time Favourite Fairytales (2009), Tales of Enchantment (2010), along with the live video presentation Cinderella Pantomime (2011).