'Rainbow' was one of my favourite kids shows of all time when I was a kid and as much as I probably should not admit it, I still enjoy watching it now. This fun little Thames Television venture was hosted originally by David Cook but was replaced two years after its inception by Geoffrey Hayes. This change was for the better. Hayes was far funnier and more likable than his predecessor and had a better chemistry with the characters.Interacting with Geoffrey were Bungle, a dopey clumsy bear ( portrayed by five different actors - John Leeson, Stanley Bates, Malcolm Lord, Anthony Pitt and Paul Cullinan ), George, a pink hippopotamus puppet ( voiced by Roy Skelton ) and Zippy ( also voiced by Roy Skelton ), a puppet with a rugby-ball shaped head and a zip for a mouth ( which was sometimes zipped up when he got too cheeky ). Zippy was arguably and deservedly the most popular character in the show. His lippy and mischievous behaviour quite often stole the show. Also appearing from time to time were Rod Burton, Jane Tucker and Freddy Marks ( known simply as just Rod, Jane and Freddy ), who would appear both to provide the show's musical items and to interact with the other characters games. In between scenes in which the characters would perform well known stories or fairy tales would be animated sequences in which drawings would come to life.'Rainbow' came off air in 1992 when Thames lost its franchise with ITV. It was revived by Tetra Films in 1994, minus Geoffrey Hayes, who struggled to find acting work after the show's cancellation. He later took a job driving taxis to earn a living, something which was later parodied in a commercial about investing money.Inevitably, 'Rainbow' has very much dated but it is still great fun to watch, even it is just for the very nostalgia of the piece.

Rainbow is an allegory for the oppressive, dictatorial state we live inGeoffrey represents the state, an all powerful machine that cannot be questioned or subverted - He controls the nature of reality and the direction of society Zippy and George represent the dissenting element of society - Zippy because he speaks his mind and George because he's clearly homosexual and these aspects threaten the official states(Geoffrey's) ideals - This is why they're both behind a desk (because Geoffrey has had their legs broken to further control them) Bungle represents the conformist element and consequently is allowed the use of his legs by Geoffrey - Bungle will blindly obey the states (Geoffrey's) commands and follow the official party line Rod, Jane and Freddy....well, it's pretty obvious what they represent (the dirty buggers) Geoffrey allows them a modicum of freedom since they're the voice of his state propaganda (songs about being good little boys and girls) Overall, a great show that teaches us about the nature of our oppressive, twisted, nightmare society (unless i'm reading too much into it?)

I have to admit when i was a child i was transfixed by rainbow. It was all good fun with naughty zippy causing all manner of grief! However i do have just one question.Why did Bungle wear Blue and White pyjama's to bed then walk around the house butt ass naked all day? even out into the garden as well! whats up with that?other than that i loved this series bring it back.its better than the crap that they put on TV for kids nowadays! Rainbow's the DON!Rainbow's the Don!

I agree with what TC Raymond wrote. I have a website with that exact clip. And here it is: HTTP://www.ebaumsworld.com/rainbowkidsshow.HTML I hope each and every one of you enjoy it as much as I have. Because this is the greatest TV show/segment ever. On a scale of 1-10, I gave it a 20. It's a classic. And Jane is hot! her maracas are too. LOL Is there any chance of this coming out on DVD? I need to see this on DVD. I'll be the first one in line to buy it online or at the store. Do they have an official website? That would be awesome. It'd be the greatest kid's show of all time since "The Electric Company". Let's give it up for the greatest cast of twanger-players ever. The cast of "Rainbow".