Play School Turns 60: Can It Survive Another Six Decades?

The Magic Trick of Play School's Evolution

Filming for Play School's Party Series took place in ABC's Studio 22, where a live band accompanied hosts Zindzi Okenyo and Kaeng Chan as they performed 'Rock Around the Clock' multiple times. The show's crew was busy adjusting the disco-themed set and blowing bubbles, while Maurice the teddy bear and his canine sidekick Scrap wore headphones. But for fans who've watched the show since its early days, this looked and felt like a different Play School altogether.

That's because the show has undergone significant changes over the years, says series producer Bryson Hall. 'We're performing a little magic trick where people think it's still the same old Play School, but it's changed a fair bit but changes slowly,' he explains. Filming now takes place across four different sets, rather than one continuous shot, and the pace has quickened significantly. Overhead shots of artwork, once considered disorienting for preschoolers, are now standard, and the toys even venture outside for episodes like Little Ted's Big Adventure.

The Power of Representation

Host Zindzi Okenyo, who has been part of the presenting crew since 2013, believes that Play School's commitment to diversity and representation has been a key factor in its success. 'I always think it's great and embarrassing that Play School is the most diverse show on Australian television,' she says. 'Yes, optics, but there's a lot of talk often about representing Australia on screen, and yet we don't do it. But I think what's special about Play School is that it really needs to evolve, and if there's a gap, you need to fill that gap, but you really need to do it in a genuine way, not just because you were told to.'

A Long History of Innovation

Play School has come a long way since its first broadcast in black and white in 1966, presented by Alister Smart and Dianne Dorgan. Over the years, it has featured presenters with diverse backgrounds and abilities, showcased same-sex parenting, and championed caring for the environment. In 2016, it featured two gay dads, which was a significant moment in Australian television history. 'We're not powered by nostalgia alone,' says Hall. 'We've always tried to evolve and stay relevant to our audience.'

What's Next for Play School?

As Play School celebrates its 60th birthday, the question on everyone's mind is: can it survive another six decades? With its commitment to diversity and innovation, it's clear that the show has a bright future ahead. But as the creators admit, the task of staying relevant in an ever-changing media landscape will be a challenge. As Zindzi Okenyo puts it, 'we need to keep evolving and listening to our audience to stay ahead.'

'I think what's special about Play School is the understanding that we really need [diversity] and we always need it, and if there's a gap, you need to fill that gap, but you really need to do it in a genuine way, not just because you were told to.' – Zindzi Okenyo

A Legacy of Learning

Play School has left an indelible mark on its audience, as well as its presenters. 'I was on the show coming up to 12 years, and I've met kids who are 10-11, and meeting those brown kids and meeting those African kids, they get it [the diversity], but the parents are like, 'Thank you,' says Okenyo. 'It's incredibly powerful, and that can happen and needs to happen across Australian television.'

The Importance of Preserving Tradition

Despite the changes the show has undergone, Hall believes that its commitment to its core values remains unchanged. 'We're not just a TV show; we're a part of people's childhoods,' he says. 'We have a responsibility to preserve that tradition, but also to evolve and stay relevant to our audience.'