Balamory

Balamory is excellent but forget the title song, they added a rock song for each character. The greatest by far is P.C. Plum's song - done in the style of 70's/80's rock, very much a "Queen" tribute. It has Plumy playing on the roof of Buckingham palace. It has visual effects the same as Bohemian Rhapsody. It's a classic rock track. It's fabulous. Fortunately, our four year old likes it too so we pretend we're humouring him and listen to it quite often.

There's a CD too. Buy it. Some of the other songs are good and Archie is always funny, Miss Hoolie is charming, I love that Suzie and Penny are there to help each other, Josie and Spencer don't get the good stories but Edie is always where it's at - she's Miss Hoolies best friend, they went on holiday together the other episode. Brilliant stuff.

Watch out for that plum song. Outstanding.

"Balamory" has been around on the BBC for only a couple of years now, but is now a cult children's classic with it's ubiquitous catchphrase, "What's the story in Balamory?". After nearly four series, it looks set to be axed now, which is a pity as it's a colourfully friendly blend of music, frolics and fun.

Made for the under-fives, the series is set in the fictional seaside town of "Balamory" (actually Tobermory, Scotland). The show is narrated by nursery teacher Miss Hoolie (Julie Wilson Nimmo), and features colourful and diverse characters such as Archie the Inventor, Edie McRedie the bus driver, PC Plum, Josie Jump, etc. The cast of characters cast a broad net with black, English, Scottish and disabled all included. Appropriately, attention is never actually drawn to these things so the subconscious message to the children is that it is really all right. I don't think this approach is any way too PC - in a still sometimes prejudicial and ignorant society, it's essential.

The music incorporates different styles of performing that vary from the grating and annoying, to some rather brilliant, contemporary sounds.

Well-aimed at a young audience, "Balamory" will renew itself as a stage show that tours Scotland from December 2004.

Balamory, very politically correct yet is fun for young children. The show starts off with the nursery teacher Miss Hoolie. Then she gets a visitor (usually Josie Jump) who needs help and doesn't know who to see. Then with a song about coloured houses the show begins to take place. The show has a good mix of characters, Archie the Inventer, Spencer the Painter, PC Plum the Policeman, Josie Jump the Fitness Guru, Edie McCredie the bus driver plus Suzie Sweet who runs the sweet shop with her disabled helper Penny Pocket. Mixed with song and dance the best one being Archies song about inventing this show is fun for under six yet those older and adults as well and may find it repetitive and a little too PC.

Balamory is such a charming show that really captures the essence of childhood curiosity and imagination! Set in a vibrant community on a beautiful Scottish island, the colorful characters and their daily adventures make it super engaging for young children. Each episode is packed with playful stories, catchy songs, and valuable lessons about teamwork, friendship, and creativity.

The visuals are bright and cheerful, which really keeps little ones entertained. I love how the storylines often encourage exploration and problem-solving, making it more than just a show to watch. The characters, like Miss Hoolie and PC Plum, have their own unique quirks that add a lot of fun to the mix.

However, while it's wonderfully educational, I did feel some episodes could be a bit repetitive after a while. But overall, Balamory is a delightful show that kids seem to adore. I'd rate it an 8 out of 10. It's definitely a great pick for young audiences!

Balamory is filmed on the scenic Scottish Isle of Mull and through this series, a lot of people of visited its filming locations and is now quite a tourist attraction. The village where this is filmed contains some rather colourful buildings, especially the houses.

It is for younger viewers where we get to see the adventures of PC Plum, Miss Hoolie and company.

It has plenty of rather catchy songs and rhymes, especially the Balamory theme song.

Very entertaining and educational stuff for the under six's. Worth watching just for the scenery and catchy tunes.