50 YEARS OF PLAY SCHOOL IN HEART OF GEELONG

The National Wool Museum has welcomed a travelling exhibition which celebrates 50 years of popular ABC TV’s children’s program, Play School.

Filled with the show’s iconic toys including Jemima, Big Ted and Humpty Dumpty, the space has transitioned into a nostalgic haven of classic scenes, props and characters.

Acting City of Greater Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy said Play School is a much-loved part of everyone’s childhood.

“Generations of Geelong kids have tuned in each day to travel through the round window, the square window or the arched window, and tell the time on the rocket clock – my own included,” Cr Murrihy said.

“With the exhibition opening just in time for the school holidays, there’ll be no shortage of fun for kids and families at the National Wool Museum this winter.”

Having been produced in Australia for over 50 years, Play School first aired in 1966 and was adapted from a BBC program of the same name.

The ABC mirrored many of the same props and toys used in the British version despite it ceasing production in the late 80s.

Play School currently runs on the ABC Kids channel four times a day and reaches more than one million viewers each week.

National Wool Museum director Padraic Fisher said two of the show’s stars, Justine Clarke and Benita Collings, will venture to the museum as part of the celebration.

“Whilst ‘A Morning with Justine Clarke’ has sold out, don’t miss this unique opportunity to see and potentially meet Benita Collings – who is hosting a cosy pyjama party for grown-ups on Thursday July 11 complete with cocktails, cakes and yarns from her time on Play School,” Mr Fisher said.

Happy Birthday Play School: Celebrating 50 Years will run at the National Wool Museum (26 Moorabool Street, Geelong) from June 28 until October 7. For more information, visit nwm.vic. gov.au.