The Fairies is an Australian preschool live-action children's television series created by Jenifer 'Jen' Watts and is based on two fairies: Harmony and Rainbow Rhapsody (known in the TV series as just Rhapsody). They also have friends, including Elf the Fairy Cake Maker, Barnaby the Bizzy Buzzy Bee and Wizzy the Wizard. Each episode of the third TV series would contain songs and dance routines. Originally it was a direct-to-video film series released by PolyGram Filmed Entertainment Australia in 1998 (The Fairies and A Fairy Merry Christmas) and ABC Video in 2000, before becoming a TV series in 2005. ABC for Kids released the TV series on DVD in 2005–09 (along with Christmas Ballet: Stage Show released in 2011), with merchandise releasing in Australia and America throughout the program's run and tours.

History

The history of the show started in 1996 with Harmony, Rhapsody, Barnaby, Elf and four tots. The producers of the series made three direct-to-video releases: two in 1998 (The Fairies/Fairy Hello! and A Fairy Merry Christmas) and one in 2000 (Farmyard Magic, along with re-releases of the first two videos from ABC). The creator of the show, Jenifer Karen 'Jen' Watts, was inspired by her daughter, Abigail Kate 'Abbie' (born 1994)'s obsession with glitter and fairies. Two different actors replaced the 1998 portrayers of Harmony and Elf (Watts and Stuart Boag). These two characters were replaced by Lindy Allen and Rhys Bobridge. The little tots were also reduced to three. These changes were done to boost the popularity of the show as a multi-million dollar 26 part television series that was in production. In November 2005, The Fairies came to television for the first time, airing on the Seven Network in Australia, going into a 9am time slot. The Fairies was made more realistic and magical, making it more like a fantasy drama for children. New Zealand-based WETA Workshop (the outfit behind the special effects used in King Kong and The Lord of the Rings) designed the sets. Also, the actors were replaced, except for Elf. Harmony, who was the Golden Fairy, and Rhapsody, the Rainbow (hence her original/vintage name, Rainbow Rhapsody), were also changed into more 'girly' colours, pink and purple. Elf and Barnaby's costumes' were also changed. Elf looked more 'Elfy' and Barnaby lost two of his legs. The tots costumes and actors were also revamped, making them more cheeky, and dressing them to look more sophisticated. Wizzy, the Wizard, also debuted in the first TV series (along with his actual debut on the album A Magical Fairy Party (released in 2001)). The first TV series of the show repeated in April 2006 on the Seven Network, going back into the 9am time slot. In 2007, the show's second TV series was produced, and aired on the Seven Network from 23 April. It also added two new characters, Bubbles the Beach Fairy and Twinkle the Tooth Fairy. Sales of the DVDs in Australia have topped 100,000 units. The show's third TV series aired in 2009 and featured 4 new characters, Jethro the Jitterboy, Cordeline the Clever Pixie, Rainbow the Birthday Fairy and Fairy Princess Minuet the Dancing Fairy.

Characters

Main characters

Other Adult characters

Child characters

Videography

Home video releases

Episode Compilations

Discography

iTunes releases

Albums

Movies

Awards and nominations

ARIA Music Awards

Helpmann Awards