TheWiggles.com
The Australian entertainment group, The Wiggles, have already boogied their way on to the TV sets of every toddler and preschooler in the world, but apparently the small screen just isn’t enough. No, this funky phenomenon created by 4 men and a pirate who love to both entertain and educate the little ones is heading to a theater near you. I recently chatted with Anthony Field, the Blue Wiggle and director of The BIG BIG SHOW in the Round, who was, as usual, bubbling over with joy and excitement about this circus-themed production, the incredible new acrobatic stunts they’ve incorporated in to the musical show and his ridiculously fit new body.
Fitz: The BIG BIG show in the Round (a circular stage for those Americans who have no idea what a “round” is) is the first live concert movie for preschoolers. Tell me about it.
Anthony: Ohh Fitzy, it’s amazing! It’s the biggest show we’ve ever done and full of fantastic circus-inspired performances. We’ve had everyone up on the trapeze, doing cartwheels and all sorts of fun things during the live concerts. As people leave the show, it’s fun to see all of the children doing handstands and I think it’s really encouraging children to get out and take gymnastics and try athletic things themselves in a fun, safe way. Now we’re sharing this fantastic experience in movie theaters too!
Fitz: Was the circus them a result of your and Paddie’s (Paul Paddick, aka Captain Feathersword) new passion for acrobatics?
Anthony: We’re actually moving towards a fully blown circus, and hopefully next year we’ll be taking a circus tent around – we’ll do that in Australia at least. So we’re all trying to get in as many skills as we can. We’re planning on bringing in the Spanish web, and right now we’re doing trapeze, trampolining and more. I love the circus and I think everyone loves the circus. And we’ve got The Wiggles music, which I think is quality music for children. So you put the together and you’ve got a lot of fun for the year and a half that the show’s on.
Fitz: What is your favorite stunt in the show? (more…)
