Wiggles’ show on city screen

Erin Pearson
LIFE as a Wiggle is more of a hobby than a job for Jeff Fatt.
Famous among children for his narcoleptic episodes, the purple Wiggle said the quartet will head into 2011 celebrating 20 years in the children’s entertainment industry.
“Our success is pretty amazing. I think it’s the joy of what we do that’s kept us going, we do love what we do,” Fatt said.
“Our music’s taken us all around the world and we’ve had some wonderful adventures.”
After selling more than 30 million DVDs and CDs worldwide, Fatt said one of The Wiggles’ early hits remained his favorite.
“Rock-A-Bye Your Bear has to be the quintessential Wiggles song,” he said.
“That never gets a miss from me.
“When writing songs we draw on concepts that children will understand. The whole world is new and interesting for children, so we must embrace that excitement in the show with themes as simple as food or crossing the street.”
Founding members Anthony Field, Murray Cook and Greg Page met while studying early childhood education at Sydney’s Macquarie University, with Fatt joining soon after. Illness has since forced the replacement of Page with Sam Moran.
The Wiggles released its first album in 1991, and the band’s TV shows now broadcast in 147 countries.
Fatt said the four men dressed simply in skivvies and black pants were now recognised globally.
The fame had led to big-name celebrities lining up to appear on stage with The Wiggles.
“One show we did in New York City at the Beacon Theatre had celebrities falling out of the sky,” Fatt laughed.
“Jerry Springer, Ricki Lake and Robert De Nero all made an appearance, which was the biggest thrill.”
Fatt said the band had a succession plan in place.
“It’s really heartening to know our music is enduring but our manual will be passed over to someone else to wear the red, purple, yellow or blue shirt shirts in years to come,” he said.
“Hopefully we can pass on our philosophies because it revolves around the children.
“The world of preschool gets exited about what adults see as the simplest things.”
Admitting he would love to be a “fly on the wall” at a Wiggles performances, Fatt said their upcoming concert would be streamed live to theatres across the country.
“Kids and parents can expect all the wiggly hits plus some exciting moments with us spinning around on ropes and climbing the trapezes – Dorothy is even bringing her aeroplane.”
The Wiggles Greatest Hits concert will be broadcast live from Sydney’s Acer Arena to Waurn Ponds Readings Cinemas on December 19.