User Reviews

It's early 1970's, and with a lingering hint of psychedelia slipping into pomp style, came 'Rainbow'.

Here was an excellent programme for kids that wasn't dumbed-down. In fact it was as much fun for grown-ups as for tots. There seemed to be a little bit of something for everybody, presented by a motley band of individuals including a bear, a bashful pink hippo, and a crabby little know-it-all character called zippy. Each of them were very much like variations of young kid, and kept in order by the indefatigable Geoffery.

It was humongously popular for very good reasons. And then, for the inevitable bad reasons, it got axed. The period of 1965-1975 was the most imaginative for television programmes.

Much enjoyed by those of us who were around at the time. I still often find myself whistling its jaunty little theme tune.

'Rainbow' was one of my favourite kids shows of all time when I was a kid and as much as I probably should not admit it, I still enjoy watching it now. This fun little Thames Television venture was hosted originally by David Cook but was replaced two years after its inception by Geoffrey Hayes. This change was for the better. Hayes was far funnier and more likable than his predecessor and had a better chemistry with the characters.

Interacting with Geoffrey were Bungle, a dopey clumsy bear ( portrayed by five different actors - John Leeson, Stanley Bates, Malcolm Lord, Anthony Pitt and Paul Cullinan ), George, a pink hippopotamus puppet ( voiced by Roy Skelton ) and Zippy ( also voiced by Roy Skelton ), a puppet with a rugby-ball shaped head and a zip for a mouth ( which was sometimes zipped up when he got too cheeky ). Zippy was arguably and deservedly the most popular character in the show. His lippy and mischievous behaviour quite often stole the show. Also appearing from time to time were Rod Burton, Jane Tucker and Freddy Marks ( known simply as just Rod, Jane and Freddy ), who would appear both to provide the show's musical items and to interact with the other characters games. In between scenes in which the characters would perform well known stories or fairy tales would be animated sequences in which drawings would come to life.

'Rainbow' came off air in 1992 when Thames lost its franchise with ITV. It was revived by Tetra Films in 1994, minus Geoffrey Hayes, who struggled to find acting work after the show's cancellation. He later took a job driving taxis to earn a living, something which was later parodied in a commercial about investing money.

Inevitably, 'Rainbow' has very much dated but it is still great fun to watch, even it is just for the very nostalgia of the piece.

If I had to choose a favourite kids show from my childhood, this one would definitely be number 1. Rainbow was my most favourite children's show that I can remember. It always opened with wonderful music and song. Then we would go into the Rainbow house where we would say hello to one of the four house friends. Geoffrey Hayes as Presenter was perfect. He was nice, he was clever, he was friendly, and he was always there to help with the puppets problems. The three puppets also made Rainbow a big favourite. There was the big cuddly brown bear, Bungle. The pink eye-lashed probably gay hippo, George. But my favourite was the sometimes loud, mischievous yellow puppet, Zippy (with a zip for mouth). Throughout the show they told stories, sang wonderful songs and sometimes had a good guest, e.g. Bobby Davro. The singers that I most enjoyed besides the main stars were the regular guests Rod Burton, Jane Tucker and Freddy Marks (or Rod, Jane and Freddy), they were so brilliant I even saw them on stage. I would definitely recommend this to you and your kids, this is just an excellent family show. It was number 7 on The 100 Greatest Kids' TV Shows. Outstanding!

I agree with what TC Raymond wrote. I have a website with that exact clip. And here it is: HTTP://www.ebaumsworld.com/rainbowkidsshow.HTML I hope each and every one of you enjoy it as much as I have. Because this is the greatest TV show/segment ever. On a scale of 1-10, I gave it a 20. It's a classic. And Jane is hot! her maracas are too. LOL Is there any chance of this coming out on DVD? I need to see this on DVD. I'll be the first one in line to buy it online or at the store. Do they have an official website? That would be awesome. It'd be the greatest kid's show of all time since "The Electric Company". Let's give it up for the greatest cast of twanger-players ever. The cast of "Rainbow".