Humpty has taken a few tumbles in the cost-of-living crisis and the Play School Live tour, which rolls into Canberra this weekend, has seen a substantial drop in ticket sales. 

As their 14-tonne touring truck pulls into Canberra this Saturday, their usual three-show-a-day schedule is now two, and their previous upmarket venue — Albert Hall — is a more budget-friendly Canberra High School.

Whether it’s a post-Covid effect, more children in childcare, or more mums in work, Big Ted and co have had to adapt to the changing market, but one thing hasn’t changed — Play School is still an iconic brand that’s lasted 59 years.

Producer of Play School Live, Marianne Tincknell, said Play School was a “love brand” that makes emotional connections with its consumers, creating a strong sense of loyalty.

“It’s like ‘Head and Shoulders’, even bald people still use it because it’s a ‘love brand’,” Marianne said. “Play School is not elitist, that’s what I love about it. The fact that you can sit on the floor and jump around and have a great time and next to you can be somebody who’s living in a caravan park and the person next to you can be living in a high-rise apartment or a mansion. It’s class-less.”

Just like the TV show’s basic craft sessions using old toilet rolls, Marianne said you just make do with what you’ve got.

“We’re not about, if you’re good enough cram them in,” she said. “We’re very strict about having the right amount of people in there so everybody has an enjoyable experience and the presenters come out after the show and meet and greet the children.”

There’s no massive digital sound and light show at these 45-minute concerts, just one pianist accompanying the presenters, Alex Papps and Teo Gerbert.

Similarly, the wardrobe for the toys — even for Jemima who’s reflected 50 years of Australian fashion trends — is basic.

“Originally we used to have a couple of people backstage but that just became cost prohibitive,” Marianne said. “Now it’s streamlined where things come on and off with a bit of velcro. They start off with one outfit and it just flips off. When you want to get on a plane and go overseas, you put the heaviest outfit on so you don’t have it in your luggage.”

Play School Live shows are now being held mostly on weekends to cater for working mums.

“The whole culture has changed dramatically,” Marianne said. “We’re finding it really challenging because accommodation prices have virtually doubled since Covid, venue hire, in most cases, has tripled.

“We just work around what works best. Our primary goal is to foster the love of live entertainment at the infant age so that they grow up loving live entertainment and going out and seeing Australian actors and Australian shows.”

Play School Live is having a stock sale this weekend and Big Ted is now half price ($15) and books are just $5.

Play School Live is at Canberra High School, Macquarie, on 12, 13 and 14 July. Tickets kidspromotions.com.au