The Wiggles, the beloved Australian children's music group, are celebrating 35 years of entertaining youngsters and are currently on their "Tree of Wisdom Spectacular Tour." Lachlan Gillespie, the purple Wiggle, spoke with The New York Post about the group's enduring appeal and their continued connection with families.
"We have always said the show is for all ages, though we say 0-5 year olds are the key audience," Gillespie said. "However, with the new generation of Wiggles fans, we are finding that children are staying longer." The group's current tour features interactive joy for children and parents alike, with hits, nursery rhymes, and large inflatable animals that engage the audience.
The tour includes performances in the Tri-state area. The Wiggles performed at New York City’s Beacon Theatre on Saturday, August 22, with shows at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. They then moved to Montclair, New Jersey’s Wellmont Theater on Sunday, August 23, with performances at 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.
"Our show is a sparkly colourful, fun-filled hour and ten minutes of interactive joy for both the children and their parents and carers," Gillespie explained. "It’s a massive show, filled with Wiggles hits, nursery rhymes and inflatable animals that walk out through the crowd and laughs along the way."
Merchandise, including T-shirts, jumpers, sporting jerseys, bubble wands, and plush toys, is also available for purchase. Gillespie highlighted the opportunity for families to create lasting memories, singing and dancing together. "Oh, and, you get to wake me up when I fall asleep by shouting ‘Wake up Lachy!’" he added.
Gillespie reflected on his own history with the group, having toured with the Dorothy the Dinosaur show before joining the main Wiggles touring show in 2012. He took on the role of the purple Wiggle when the original purple Wiggle, Jeff Fatt, retired, and has now been with the group for 14 years. "I adore this role and feel very grateful that I can be a part of families lives," he said.
He described his castmates as a "beautiful family" and an extension of his own. The group's characters, including Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, and Captain Feathersword, have been integral to The Wiggles' journey. Dorothy the Dinosaur, for instance, was created by founders Anthony and Murray after observing how much children loved dinosaurs.
Gillespie noted that the children's engagement and the positive impact the group has on families, often shared through social media, is the most rewarding aspect of his job. "We help bring smiles to people faces and that has to be the best part."
Past setlists indicate a mix of original songs and covers, including hits like "Do the Propeller," "Fruit Salad / Toot Toot, Chugga Chugga, Big Red Car," and traditional nursery rhymes such as "If You’re Happy and You Know It" and "The ABC Song."