| Magic Circle Club | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Children's television |
| Created by | Godfrey Philipp |
| Written by | |
| Directed by |
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| Presented by | |
| Starring |
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| Theme music composer | Bruce Rowland |
| Opening theme | Hip, Hooray and Hello |
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 555 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Godfrey Philipp |
| Producer | Rob Weekes |
| Production location | Melbourne |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | 0–10 Network |
| Release | 23 January 1965 – July 1967 |
| Related | |
| Infobox instructions (only shown in preview) | |
The Magic Circle Club was an award-winning Australian children's television show, produced at ATV Channel 0 (now ATV-10) from 23 January 1965 to 1967.
The program's style came from live pantomime and classic fairy tales. It often featured music, original songs and dance routines. Some older female characters were performed by males, in pantomime dame style.
Godfrey Philipp was the producer and director, with many scripts and song lyrics by John-Michael Howson. Max Bartlett became a regular script writer in addition to his on-screen roles. Music was by Bruce Rowland and scenery designs by Brian Thomson.[1]
The show was hosted by Nancy Cato, cousin of the author of the same name. A later addition to the regular cast was Liz Harris, who also took over as hostess when Nancy Cato suffered temporary paralysis and had to use a wheelchair.[2]
In 1966, the TV series won the first Logie Award presented to a children's show, for Outstanding Contribution To Children's Television.[3]