Play School '5000th Episode' (12/9/83) - FULL EPISODE

Remember that ill-conceived revamp of Play School that attracted so much criticism that they had to undo half of the changes not long after? Well, this is the episode from the beginning of the final week of the original format - the 5000th edition, we're told (although I'm not 100% convinced there isn't a certain amount of rounding-off involved there), broadcast on Monday, 12th September, 1983.

Sarah Long and Ben Thomas are the main presenters, packing things into boxes ahead of the planned move to a new set. We're treated to a song about things that fit inside other things, Humpty does a spot of fishing for objects, there's a poem about three foxes which has some funny quirky language, plus we're shown footage of a fairground in full swing. Meanwhile, Johnny Ball is on hand to tell us the story of the Little Red Hen, before joining in with the closing fun involving an animal race and some cake. It's all very gentle, wholesome, and just plain nice, and why anyone saw the need to fiddle with the formula - not to mention ditching all our cuddly friends! - is beyond me. Still, it was great while it lasted.

I've left in 30 seconds' worth of the music, schedule and continuity at the beginning to add to that classic retro flavour, and apologies for the end credits cutting out a bit sharpish.

Many thanks to Lee for providing this recording.

(To the best of my knowledge, the contents of this video have never been available commercially anywhere in the world. Please also note that I don't monetise any of my uploads. Nevertheless, if you are a copyright holder and have an objection, please don't hesitate to contact me.)