Aussie Star Justine Clarke to Lead New ABC Kids Show

Australian children’s entertainer Justine Clarke is hosting the new preschool series Justine Clarke’s Ta Da!, which has begun production in Sydney for a premiere on ABC Kids and iview later this year.

Justine Clarke’s Ta Da! aims to teach little ones about the world of theater. The 15×7-minute show sees Clarke and her stage manager, Dash the dog, make the final preparations for her performance before she takes the stage. It will feature original songs and an ensemble cast that includes musician Tim Rogers, actress Denise Scott and dancer/TV personality Paul Mercurio, among others. Screen Australia and the ABC, alongside Create NSW, present the Fredbird Entertainment program in association with Ta Da! Productions.

Clarke commented: “Ta Da! is the culmination of my years in children’s entertainment; making music, producing DVDs and touring the country performing live shows for Australian preschoolers and their families. My aim was to create a TV show that celebrates the best of the performing arts and creativity. Ta Da! embraces the joy I have always felt about music and performing—I hope it’s infectious!”

Michael Carrington, the head of children’s at ABC Television, said: “ABC Children’s is dedicated to bringing Australian preschoolers exceptional locally produced programming so we are thrilled to be working with Fredbird Entertainment on this entertaining and engaging new musical series. Justine Clarke is a much-loved ABC Kids personality and preschoolers will no doubt be excited and captivated by her performance during each episode.”

Sarah Dabro, the head of Fredbird Kids, noted: “We’re excited to be working with Justine and a talented cast of performers on this delightful series, which celebrates all the excitement and collaboration of music and theater. We hope it inspires children to embrace creativity and self-expression and put on their own shows at home.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the ABC on another home-grown children’s series,” stated Sally Caplan, the head of production at Screen Australia. “Justine Clarke is an immense talent and, with the creative team Fredbird has assembled, Ta Da! is bound to be an engaging and educational series—and perhaps even ignite the imaginations of future artists!”

Michael Brealey, the CEO of Create NSW, added: “Justine is well-known for her thoughtful and engaging children’s entertainment and is the perfect choice for new home-grown preschool programming. We’re proud to be involved in developing new and high-quality Australian children’s productions and excited about the new legion of fans she will reach with the show.”