Play School turns 60! The beloved children’s show is heading to Canberra to celebrate

Posted on 20 July, 2026

Every Australian knows the gentle percussion that accompanies the lyrics “There’s a bear in there and a chair as well…”.

Since 1966, Play School has entertained and educated preschool-aged children through play, music, art, and imagination, becoming a household name and an icon of Australian television.

Featuring a beloved mix of presenters – including former schoolteachers, well-known stage and screen actors, and musicians – alongside Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima, and Humpty, Play School is Australia’s longest-running TV show. It’s also the second-longest continuously running children’s series in the world.

And as the Australian Broadcasting Corporation prepares to celebrate the show’s 60^th anniversary, Canberrans are invited to join in on the fun.

Coming to the Canberra Theatre Centre on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October, PLAY SCHOOL LIVE CONCERT 2026: Humpty’s Big Celebration! invites families to experience everything that has made Play School Australia’s most cherished children’s television program.

And yes – Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima, Kiya and Fergus will be there alongside some of your favourite presenters (to be confirmed soon!). Expect a fun-filled show packed with singing, dancing, and a little bit of magic.

Tickets will go on pre-sale for Canberra Theatre Centre Members at 10 am on Tuesday 21 July. Newsletter subscribers will receive pre-sale access at 10 am on Wednesday 22 July, before tickets go on general sale on Thursday 23 July at 10 am.

Whether you remember the original black-and-white show, watched when the “controversial” diamond window was added in 2000, or have children who call Kiya (introduced in 2019) their favourite, there’s no denying Play School still bridges the generations.

There really are plenty of stories to tell.

Feature image supplied.