The origin of the beloved children’s TV series Bananas in Pyjamas can be traced back to the 1960s when British composer Carey Blyton wrote a song about bananas in pyjamas that was featured on Play School. In 1972, Blyton released a children’s book titled Bananas in Pyjamas: A Book of Nonsense, and in 1978, ABC aired a short animated video of the Bananas’ first descent down the stairs. The creator, Helena Harris, saw potential in the characters after hearing the tune and believed they could have their own show. The series, set in Cuddles Avenue, Cuddlestown, followed B1 and B2 and their teddy bear friends along with Rat-in-a-Hat.
Harris originally wanted the series to be animated, but due to cost concerns, it was produced as a live-action show. However, she aimed to make it look like a comic book come to life, and the characters became suited for the live-action format. The live-action series ended in 2001, and in 2011, it was rebooted as a completely animated version until production ceased in 2013. Since its debut, Bananas in Pyjamas has received numerous nominations and awards, and has been translated into different languages for children all around the world.
The inspiration for Bananas in Pyjamas comes from a 1967 song by British composer Carey Blyton that was featured on Play School. This led to the release of a children’s book in 1972 and a short animated video in 1978. Creator Helena Harris saw potential in the characters B1 and B2, as well as their teddy bear friends and Rat-in-a-Hat, after hearing the tune at a Play School concert with her children. She wanted the series to be animated originally, but production costs led to a live-action format instead.
The original live-action series of Bananas in Pyjamas ended in 2001 but was revived in 2011 as a completely animated version until production ceased in 2013. Despite the change in format, the series continued to resonate with children and received numerous nominations and awards. The characters of B1 and B2 have become iconic figures in children’s entertainment, appearing in different languages to reach a global audience. The show’s success can be attributed to the creative vision of Helena Harris and her belief in the appeal of the bananas as characters.
Helena Harris’ vision for Bananas in Pyjamas was influenced by her desire to provide children with characters that had personality and charm. The original series set in Cuddles Avenue, Cuddlestown, featured B1 and B2 and their adventures with teddy bear friends and Rat-in-a-Hat. While Harris initially wanted the series to be animated, the decision to produce it as a live-action show proved to be successful, capturing the hearts of children worldwide. The show’s enduring popularity and success are a testament to the creative inspiration behind Bananas in Pyjamas and its ability to connect with young audiences.
