| Runtime: | 25 minutes |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Creator: | Rosalind Farrimond |
| Starring: | Gabrielle Bradshaw (1997–1998) Vo Fletcher (1997) Jason Maverick (1997–1998) Naomi Wilkinson (1999–2002) Andy Ford (1999–2002) |
| Voices: | Marcus Clarke Helena Smee |
| Channel: | Channel Five (Milkshake!) |
Havakazoo is a British pre-school television series which aired on Channel 5's Milkshake strand. It was the first original children's program to air when it launched in 1997.[1]
Originally, Havakazoo was created as a flagship show for Channel 5's strand for children, Milkshake!. It was the first original show to air in 1997 when the channel launched. Folk musician Vo Fletcher was approached to write a number of songs after his successful children's album 'Spaceman Sid'. At this time, the producers hadn't come up with a name for the series. One of the tracks on his album was called 'Havakazoo' so it was decided that will be its title. The song was then shortened and altered to fit with the show.
The show's main character was a robot-style spin dryer called Messy. Each programme was presented by Gabrielle Bradshaw and Jason Maverick and followed a broad theme that consisted of songs, stories and activities with the two main presenters in the studio. A short clip from the outside world was introduced into each show. The presenters would frequently invite the younger viewers to participate at home by showing them how to make something. They signed off at the end of episodes by each saying, "Havakazoo".
The series aired on weekday mornings. A half-hour episode also aired on weekends with the character Messy acting as a mascot introducing a selection of shows from the strand, telling jokes, questions, and showing a picture of any Havakazoo or non-Havakazoo characters that was drawn by a child with Vo playing with his guitar at a background in each link. This was later dropped in series two when the sister show Tickle, Patch and Friends was introduced.
From the second series, the show centred around a puppet dog called 'Watch Dog'. Messy was reintroduced with the format staying almost the same. A segment showing a cartoon style camcorder called 'Nosey' was introduced to show clips from the outside world as to how things worked (e.g. a steam train or a washing machine), how things were made (e.g. pre-packaged sandwiches or bread) or children doing activities (eg. making junk puppets or going on a riverboat trip). Nosey later became a separate show altogether.
From series Three, the show was revamped. Many changes were made. Each episode now centres on the characters 'Patrica' and 'Patrick', played by Naomi Wilkinson and Andy Ford. Two bakers who lived inside the windmill and both also acted as presenters. All of the characters from the second series returned and new characters were introduced. Songs, games, poems and stories, as well as regular craft activities still featured throughout. However, the show created a more comedy aspect to its overall feel. Two new characters were also added. A female dog, Watchdog's younger niece called 'Plum' and the fleas 'Tick and Tock' who lived inside Watch Dog's fur, without his knowledge.
Gabrielle Bradshaw and Jason Maverick presented as themselves for the first two series. From 1999, Milkshake! Presenter, Naomi Wilkinson was introduced as "Patrica" and comedian and pantomime actor Andy Ford as Patrick the baker. Vo Fletcher appeared regularly with his guitar in series One having also written the title music for the show.
All puppets were created by Hands Up Puppets.[2]
• Messy – A robot like spin dryer made out of unused things. Voiced by Joe Grecco.
• Watchdog (Series 2) – A dog who would often keep an eye on the time and a look out from the window. Seen from series 2.
• Tick and Tock (Series 3) – Two fleas who lived inside Watchdog's fur and told jokes. Seen from series 3 onwards.
• Vo Fletcher (Series 1) – Played himself. An artist who performed songs.
• Gabrielle (Series 1–2) – Presenter, herself
• Jason (Series 1–2) – Presenter, himself
• Plum (Series 3) – Watchdog's niece. A young female dog who delivers bread made in the windmill.
• Patrica (Series 3) – Works at the windmill and acts as a presenter. Played by Naomi Wilkinson.
• Patrick (Series 3) – Works at the windmill as a baker and acts as a presenter. Played by Andy Ford.