Play School has been a fixture of Australian television for 60 years, and now Australian Story is stepping behind the famous windows to explore how the much loved series has stood the test of time.
With rare access to the creative team and familiar faces from across its history, the special examines the ideas, people and guiding principles that have helped keep the iconic program relevant across generations.
Supplied:
– Advertisement –
Australia’s “family heirloom” Play School is turning 60, so how has this iconic show, conceived in the 1960s, endured?
“We all feel like it belongs to us,” says long-time presenter Justine Clarke.
“And it’s no accident that it’s still here after 60 years.”
With rare behind-the-scenes access, Australian Story examines the show’s creative process — what’s changed and what’s stayed the same — and reveals the golden rule that’s guided it since the beginning.
Guest writer Benjamin Law takes us through the creation of an episode on the sense of taste, from early development to studio recording, introducing the “brains trust” of Play School.
“These are the minds, the creators, the designers, the series producer, the early childhood specialists who really know what kids need at what age.”
says Law.
With insights from past and present cast and crew, we look back on the show’s 60-year history, revisit the controversial decisions that saw it make headlines and ask how it’s evolved to stay relevant.
The episode features interviews with popular presenters Don Spencer, Justine Clarke, Simon Burke, Jay Laga’aia, Rhys Muldoon and Miah Madden.
This new episode of Australian Story airs tonight, Monday June 6, at 8.00pm on ABC and ABC iview.
– Advertisement –
