The ABC has announced a fresh adaptation of the beloved children’s series Bananas in Pyjamas, marking the first production to be confirmed under the Federal Government’s three-year funding allocation announced late last year.
Produced for the ABC in South Australia by Windmill Production Company — the award-winning team behind Beep and Mort — the new live-action series will draw on the studio’s expertise in puppetry and physical performance.
The series will stay true to the whimsical spirit of the original and introduce mischievous twins B1 and B2 to a new generation of young viewers. Set once again in the friendly neighbourhood of Cuddles Avenue, the show invites children into a playful world filled with music, humour, role-playing and invention.
Originally inspired by a song that became popular on Play School in the 1970s, the live-action Bananas in Pyjamas made its television debut on the ABC in 1992 and quickly became a hit with preschoolers in Australia and around the world. The series ran until 2001 before shifting to a computer-animated format.
Jennifer Collins, ABC Director Screen:
“Bananas in Pyjamas has long held a cherished place in Australian children’s television, delighting generations of families. With the support of additional funding, we’re thrilled to reimagine this playful series full of heart and humour for today’s young viewers in partnership with Windmill Production Company.”
Kaye Weeks, Executive Director, Windmill Production Company:
“My 18-year-old daughter went to her high school graduation dressed as one of the Bananas, which goes to show how beloved these characters are in the Australian cultural canon. We are absolutely thrilled to be rebooting this iconic sitcom for preschoolers and boosting B1 and B2’s much-deserved celebrity status into the future.”
For Licensing Enquiries or to Book a Meeting at Toy Fair:
Wendy de Thame
Licensing Manager
ABC Commercial
M: 0418 780 555
E: DeThame.Wendy@abc.net.au
