He’s the face of Australian kids TV, he’s Dad to Lenny who is three and he agreed to do an interview with ME!! Yes, I am referring to the only guy on the planet who makes pyjamas look cool, Mr Jimmy Giggle!!
Preparing for his next Hootastic adventure, the guy kids (and their Mums!) love to wake up to is set to storm the national stage, owl pals in tow! Jimmy Giggle, Hoot and Hootabelle are back with an exciting new show full of pirate quests, magic, music and more.
So get ready to sing along with all the gang’s classic tunes (that we all secretly know the words to and sing at home); The Gigglemobile, Go Giggleosaurus, Birdbath Boogie, The Giggle Galaxy, and so many more!
But while you’re waiting for the shows to kick off, which they do on 30 September, we have something to tickle your funny bone because Jimmy Rees, aka Jimmy Giggle is as funny on paper as he is in person. If you want to giggle-icious yourself into a giggle galaxy, we have your daily dose of laughter right here … p.s. look out for an R rated response towards the end!!
TLH: what are you most looking forward to about your upcoming Giggle & Hoot tour?
JG: Meeting and performing for a live audience. The kids and families who watch the show is why we do it, so it’s wonderful to hit the road and take the TV show to the stage. It’s heaps of fun, interactive and full of energy, everyone will have a great time!!
TLH: do Tori and Lenny join you on tour? How would/do you cope with being away from them while on the road?
JG: Yeah sometimes when the schedule allows they come with me. It’s fun when they are there, Lenny sees the show a lot haha, but what we really love is exploring all the towns we visit, it’s such an amazing country. When I’m away from them it’s hard, but luckily we live in a time where video calls exist … makes it a bit easier.
TLH: what makes Hoot the ideal BFF?
JG: Well, he can fly super fast so he can reach all the things I can’t hahaha!!! He’s always happy, easy to please … just add owl snacks!! Hahah!!
TLH: what do you enjoy most about working in kids TV?
JG: The audience. It means we can be total fools and not take anything that seriously. Kids are hilarious; they are either right there with you, laughing and dancing along or fast asleep because they are bored… brutally honest.
TLH: tell us 5 things we don’t know about Mr Rees aka Jimmy Giggle?
JG: I can actually play the guitar not just the ukulele (haha), we’ve moved house 10 times in the last 10 years (we are gypsies… hahaha), my friends called me wolverine at school (hairy chest, side burns), and they also called my Robocop (because of my running style), I played AFL for a couple of years while also doing Giggle and Hoot and I felt it was only a matter of time before I’d have to show up to work with a broken arm or a black eye from an errant elbow.
TLH: what is your inspiration for your TV persona?
JG: Oh it’s really just a heightened version of myself, I’ve always been a big kid. But my parents are a big part of my personality, always encouraging me to laugh and be silly. Dad especially loves slapstick humour so I was introduced to that at a very young age, and Mum, she is the loud one, so I guess that’s where the loud high-pitched voice comes from HAHAHA!
TLH: what is the biggest thing you’ve learned since becoming a Dad to 3 yo Lenny?
JG: Patience. And looking at the world through the lens of a 3 year old gives a lot of life’s dramas perspective.
TLH: what’s the craziest thing you’ve (a) heard, (b) been sent, (c) done since becoming the face of ABC4Kids?
JG: We get sent some amazing and very interesting drawings of Jimmy Giggle. I was asked to sign some parts that only rock stars sign … that was a little awkward.
TLH: if you weren’t Jimmy Giggle, what do you think you’d be doing?
JG: Hmm, I don’t really know, I hope that I would be doing something wacky and humorous on TV. I was very lucky to get the audition for G&H so it’s strange to think where I would actually be.
TLH: if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
JG: Be confident about my goals and ambitions and go for it.
What did you think I was talking about?! R is for Rock Star!! But he totally is, isn’t he. Coolest guy ever and total ledge! We can’t wait to see him in Giggle-ini action!!
We’ll be bringing our Giggle Gallery pictures along to show Jimmy, Hoot and co… remember to do the same. But first BOOK BOOK!! Hoot Hoot!
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: livenation.com.au
GIGGLE AND HOOT’S HOOTASTIC CONCERT
THE MEMO, HEALESVILLE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 30
DAREBIN ARTS CENTRE, MELBOURNE MONDAY OCTOBER 1 - New show added
FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE, MELBOURNE TUESDAY OCTOBER 2 - New show added
CARDINIA CULTURE CLUB, MEBOURNE THURSDAY OCTOBER 4 - New show added
GEELONG PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE FRIDAY OCTOBER 5
CAPITAL THEATRE, BENDIGO SATURDAY OCTOBER 6 – New show added
FRATERNITY CLUB, WOLLONGONG TUESDAY OCTOBER 9 – New show added
SOUTHS JUNIORS CLUB, SYDNEY WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 10
NORTH SYDNEY LEAGUES CLUB THURSDAY OCTOBER 11
CLUB MENAI, SYDNEY FRIDAY OCTOBER 12
REVESBY WORKERS CLUB, SYDNEY SUNDAY OCTOBER 14
CASTLE HILL RSL, SYDNEY MONDAY OCTOBER 15
THE ART HOUSE, CENTRAL COAST, NSW TUESDAY OCTOBER 16