Havakazoo facts for kids

Havakazoo was a fun British TV show made for young children. It aired on Channel 5 as part of their Milkshake morning block. This show was special because it was the very first original children's program to be shown when Channel 5 started in 1997.

How Havakazoo Began

Havakazoo was created to be a main show for Channel 5's new children's section, 'Milkshake!'. It was the first original show to air when the channel launched in 1997. The main character in the first series was a robot-like spin dryer named Messy.

Each episode was presented by Gabrielle Bradshaw and Jason Maverick. The show had a different theme each time. It included songs, stories, and fun activities that the presenters did in the studio. There was also a short video clip from the outside world in every show. The presenters often invited kids watching at home to join in by showing them how to make things. At the end of each episode, they would say, "Havakazoo!"

The show was on weekday mornings. There was also a longer, half-hour episode on weekends. In this weekend show, Messy acted as a mascot. He would introduce different shows from the Milkshake! block. This weekend format changed in the second series.

Changes Over Time

From the second series, a new puppet character joined the show. This was a dog named 'Watch Dog'. Messy was still part of the show, and the general format stayed similar. A new part of the show was added. It featured a cartoon-style camcorder called 'Nosey'. Nosey would show clips from the outside world.

The show got a big makeover for its third series. Many things changed. Each episode now focused on two characters, 'Patricia' and 'Patrick'. They were played by Naomi Wilkinson and Andy Ford. Patricia and Patrick were bakers who lived inside a windmill. They also acted as the main presenters.

All the characters from the second series returned. New characters were also introduced. Songs, games, poems, and stories were still a big part of the show. There were also regular craft activities for kids to try. The show also became more funny and light-hearted. Two new characters were added: Plum, who was Watch Dog's younger niece, and two fleas named Tick and Tock. Tick and Tock lived in Watch Dog's fur without him knowing!

Gabrielle Bradshaw and Jason Maverick presented the first two series as themselves. From 1999, Naomi Wilkinson, who was also a Milkshake! presenter, joined as "Patricia". Comedian and pantomime actor Andy Ford played Patrick the baker. Vo Fletcher often appeared in the first series, playing his guitar and singing songs.

All the puppets used in Havakazoo were created by a company called Hands Up Puppets.

Meet the Havakazoo Characters

• Messy: This character was a robot-like spin dryer. He was made from recycled items. Joe Grecco provided his voice.
• Watch Dog (Series 2 onwards): A dog who often checked the time. He would also look out of the window. He joined the show from series 2.
• Tick and Tock (Series 3 onwards): These were two small fleas. They lived in Watch Dog's fur and told jokes. They appeared from series 3.
• Vo Fletcher (Series 1): He played himself in the show. He was an artist who performed songs for the children.
• Gabrielle (Series 1–2): She was one of the main presenters in the first two series.
• Jason (Series 1–2): He was also one of the main presenters in the first two series.
• Plum (Series 3 onwards): Watch Dog's niece. She was a young female dog. Plum helped deliver the bread made in the windmill.
• Patricia (Series 3 onwards): She worked at the windmill and was also a presenter. She was played by Naomi Wilkinson.
• Patrick (Series 3 onwards): He worked at the windmill as a baker. He was also a presenter. Andy Ford played Patrick.

Many talented puppeteers helped bring the characters to life. These included Phil Eason, Francis Wright, Michael Bayliss, Sue Dacre, Don Austen, Brian Herring, Neil Sterenberg, Rebecca Nagan, Debbie Cumming, and Sheila Clark.