Tales from Te Papa - Play School Toys

Television (Full Length Episode) – 2009

Play School was the first important TV programme for several generations of young Kiwis. Humpty, Manu, Jemima and Big and Little Teds were stars to late 70s and 1980s pre-school kids (and their parents), and the show's stories, craft-making and songs mixed education with entertainment. Presenter Riria Hotere meets Play School's celebrity cast in Te Papa's archives, and finds the toys a little worn from their years in the spotlight. Curator Kirstie Ross talks about life for the Famous Five and displays some of the costumes made for their many outings. She leaves a bombshell regarding the littlest cast member until last.

There were five of us, but now there are only four. "Are you sure?" said Jemima. "Oh yes" said Humpty...
– Play School presenter Barry Dorking stumbles on the mystery about Little Ted