snap, crackle and pop

We talk to The Wiggles about what makes them tick, ahead of their national tour.

You’ve just won your sixth ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Award for Best Children’s Album. How does it feel?
It always feels incredible. We all put so much effort and energy into continually improving what we do and making the best music we can.

What does it mean to the team going forward?
This is our first ARIA award with Sam the new Yellow Wiggle, so it really shows us that we’re still able to make great music with Sam and that our audiences have embraced him.

Tell us about putting Pop Go The Wiggles! together.
It was something we’d never done before – a tribute to all the wonderful nursery rhymes that we grew up with, we really tried to pay great respect to the history of these songs and to the impact they’ve made on countless generations.

Why are nursery rhymes so important for children?
Nursery rhymes can help children’s language development or they can tell a story with a moral. Nursery rhymes tell of a time gone by, but children can also learn about their own world by experiencing the colourful and descriptive language of yesteryear.

Having entertained children for more than 15 years, what is essential in maintaining their interest?
Keeping the songs, shows and TV experiences child-centred. We strive to make Wiggly experiences interactive, so in fact we rely on our audience to help create our shows. “Wake up Jeff!” wouldn’t work without 6,000 families screaming it out! Fun, and songs you can’t get out of your head (and our heads too), I think are other reasons.

What can children look forward to with your upcoming tour?
A brand new show full of some of the great songs from our Pop Go The Wiggles! DVD, mixed in with all The Wiggles’ classic songs. Brand new costumes and a huge new set. Of course the Wiggly dancers will be there, with our friends Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog and of course Captain Feathersword.

Having toured many times, what are The Wiggles still pleasantly surprised by?
By the audiences’ reaction when we first walk onto the stage. There is a real excitement in the auditorium and we are spurred on by that.

What inspires you everyday?
Before the live shows there is a meet-and-greet with a number of families and children with special needs, sometimes a disability or serious illness. Often they are amazingly brave in the face of great difficulties. It’s very humbling.

With television, video and film, how do you stay true to your creative integrity and remain focused on what is important?
Remaining focused has always been extremely important to us. Whether it be making sure there is something for a child in every song we do or putting our name to products and foods, we’re always very conscious of how appropriate our actions are for children and inspiring healthy habits.

How have children responded to a new yellow Wiggle?
We believe that if you’re honest and upfront with children and simply explain the situation to them, then they’re extremely open to change. At one show in the US, we drove out on-stage in the Big Red Car to see the entire arena holding up yellow signs that said “Welcome Sam!” [Sam] Families speak to me and simply say, “Welcome to the Wiggles family and welcome to our family too.” So it’s definitely an honour to be considered such a large part of a family’s daily life.

How has having your own children affected your show and outlook?
[Anthony] My little angels (two girls under four and a seven-month-old boy) have helped me focus on the wondrous world of the pre-schooler, while my girls have opened my eyes to the world of little girls’ imagination: fairies, princesses, ballerinas. Dorothy has fairy friends, we all dance ballet, as well as the more boy-oriented Captain Feathersword antics!

What plans do you have after the Australia tour?
A wonderful rest over Christmas with all our family and friends that we spend so much time away from during the year.

Pop Go The Wiggles! tour:

5–6 Dec Burswood Dome, Perth, WA Ticketek 132 849
9 Dec Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, SA, Ticketek 132 849
11–12 Dec Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Victoria, Ticketek 132 849
14 Dec Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, NSW, Ticketek 4921 2121
16–17 Dec Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, QLD Ticketek 132 849
19 Dec Ais Arena, Canberra, ACT Ticketek 132 849
21–23 Dec Entertainment Centre, Sydney, NSW Ticketmaster 1300 883 622