When people of my age (mid 30's) are asked about classic Australian Kids' TV, most of them will instantly state 'Round The Twist'. Personally,I will say in one word;2 syllables;7 letters;you've got it;
PUGWALL!!
Created in the late80s/early 90s and based on the Penguin books, Pugwall tells the tale of Peter Unwin George Wall;PUGWALL. He and his friends form a pop group against their parents' conservative expectations of them.
Blending humour with band performances - in casting they probably chose young musicians over established actors - this show was highly classy and original. Constantly hassled by ginger sister 'Marmaloid',ambitious father 'Herohead' and control-freak mother Supes' - surreal interpretations of Pugwall's home-life would regularly spring to the screen - Pugwall has to attempt to make a hit record whilst persuaded to lead a normal teenage life!
The show was quite insightful in regards to its account of a group of musicians, both teenage AND independent, breaking through all the obstacles and hardships of the 'Rock'n'Roll' industry,driven by their determination to become successful.
Set in an archetypal early 90s kitsch-but-classy (Melbourne) suburbia - title actor Jason Torrens now has a recording studio in the city - the show is highly evocative of that golden age of TV comedy when the world, despite Thatcherism, was still respectable,relatively sane and had a lot of talent amongst the young and old. I give this show 10/10 for its originality, insight, humour and overall class!
