Children's TV show made in Dunedin (approximately 1969).
Produced by Murray Hutchinson, choreographed by Alex Gilchrist and music director was Flora Edwards.
It was a musical program (with both singing and dancing). The show was based around Carrot Top's song book as the name suggested. Carrot Top was a puppet and, if my memory serves me right, his voice was that of Gene Packwood. The show featured children, both singers and dancers, from Dunedin. Each week had a theme - e.g. songs about the weather, ocean/sea, witches and spooks and so on. I can't really recall how long the show went for but have a feeling it was about 26 weeks. Actually, I was one of the singers and did a number of solos. It was an amazing experience for a 12 year old.
Thanks to Cath for the details.
Bridget and Liz have a podcast called Dude, guess what? about being Kiwi's in the US. In one episode they talk to their mum who grew up in New Zealand and took part in "Carrot Top's Songbook".
In April 2024 staff at the Hocken library advised they hold some audio recordings from the show on reel-to-reel tape and were in the process of having them digitised. Once completed they plan to be able to supply digital copies of the tapes for a fee.
Some memories of the show from Tracy Ferguson.
- How old were you when you were on the show?
- I was 10 when I was singing on the show.
- How did you get involved with performing?
- I had done some theatre productions like the Sound of Music before that so I auditioned for Carrot tops.
- What performances did you take part in on the show?
- We all took part in alternate shows so I think there were 10 altogether so I would have been involved with 5.
My memory would need jogging as to the actual shows but I remember singing a song with Miles White where he sangI am a mole and I live in a hole
Somehow that fascinated me! - What stands out in your memories about the tv studio?
- I wasn't in the witch one but I remember watching them practice.
I just remember the big cameras on rollers but never really felt daunted by it. We just did as we had practised. - I'm not sure how common tvs were back in the late 60s early sixties, so was it easy for family members to see your performance on the show?
- You must be a young man asking about TV's!!. I remember a TV coming into our home, it was black and white and we could only watch for very limited hours. There was no problem with us watching. I do remember that after finishing filming in Dunedin, my family shifted to Blenheim and the last few shows were aired while I was settling into my new school. Great way to meet friends as the kids were most impressed with the new girl being on TV!.
I did get the impression children my age were watching as it was local talent and these children were known locally. That said, I mentioned how it was being watched in Blenheim so I guess the appeal was nationwide. - Did you get any keepsakes from your time on the show?
- I think somewhere in my treasures I may have kept one of the scripts, but I have moved around a bit and couldn't just put my hand on it. I remember the pages being coloured, maybe a light pink or blue?? Maybe?
- Were there other New Zealand TV shows that recall from that time that made an impression?
- I have memories of lots of shows but not sure any were nz made.
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