Popular ABC kids show Giggle and Hoot to take over Bendigo stage

When James Rees decided to pursue a career in television, he gave up his day job and auditioned for an ABC talent search.

He was then cast as Jimmy Giggle on a new kids’ TV show and has never looked back.

Nine years later he is one of the country’s most well-known children’s entertainers and remains the host of popular ABC show Giggle and Hoot.

“There was a big talent search on all the ABC platforms and anyone could send audition tape in,” he said.

“I went through that and Giggle and Hoot was starting at the same time. I was shortlisted (for an audition) and lucky to be plucked out. 

“It's still a great, fun time and always something a bit different each year.” 

Giggle and Hoot’s Hootastic Concert will see Jimmy Giggle, his best mate Hoot and all their friends take to the stage for some singing, magic, pirate adventures and hooting.

“It really is about bringing that TV show to the stage. There’s lots of fun and laughter – it’s called Giggle and Hoot for a reason,” Rees said.

“There is really two audiences there. On the TV show it is mainly for the kids with a few things for parents. On the stage, it is fun at a different level.”

“We have all sorts of fun happenings. Mini Hoot goes missing, we have a lot of songs and encourage people to bring pictures for the Giggle Gallery.”

Rees said the dynamics of the live show make a for a fun atmosphere.

“It’s totally different. In the TV studio we’re bunch of adults doing jobs really well – filming puppet owls and recording a silly man in pajamas,” he said.

“(On tour) the energy is different.  When you step on stage and everyone goes crazy, it really is amazing.

“It also amazes me the subtle things children pick up. Their attention to details about the show are are amazing, particularly in the drawings we get for the Giggle Gallery.”

Over nine years Giggle and Hoot has developed into a fast paced entertainment show that suits children aged from a few months to ages seven or eight.

Rees said the cast and crew quickly found the type of entertainment that suited the show.

“In the initial stage it was a bit different, our speech was a bit slower and there was a bit more education,” he said.

“It changed quickly and we found what we do now is entertainment with things like showing if things go wrong, it gets better.

“In the nine years we also found our audience is a bit broader than we first some eight-year-olds still watch us with their younger siblings.”

During his time with Giggle and Hoot, Rees also started his own family.

“I’ve got a three-year-old and he's hilarious,” Rees said. “When I’m being a stern father saying he can't do something, he’ll just ask for Jimmy Giggle.”

Giggle and Hoot’s Hootastic Concert is on at The Capital on Saturday, October 6, at 10am and noon.

Visit www.thecapital.com.au/Whats_On for tickets or more information.

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