peninsulakids.com.au
Mister Maker is a master of his craft By Cameron McCullough IT’S 2.45am in England when I get put through to Phil Gallagher. He is wide awake, and doing press interviews with Australian media while most of his fellow countrymen and women sleep. “Actually, it is great to be sitting on my own sofa,” said Phil. “Last year, I was only home for a total of two months. I was on the road nearly the entire year!” It is no surprise. Phil Gallagher is a super-star. Or, more accurately, Mister Masker, his alter-ego is. “I absolutely love this job,” said Phil. “I miss my family and friends with all the travel, but wouldn’t trade it for anything!” And wow, is he popular! Mention the name Mister Maker around any kids and watch the excitement in their eyes. Children of all ages love to watch what the crafty and colourful character from ABC Kids can make; especially in under a minute. Phil began his career as a journalist but always wanted to be a children’s TV entertainer. “I was sports reporting very early on, before my proper career started, and was very fortunate to get experience with my local BBC. I loved local sports and was able to report on the local footy. But it had always been my dream to work
in kids TV,” said Phil. “I had an opportunity to work on the Disney Channel many years ago and that’s where it all started.” For Phil, growing up watching kids TV presenters gave him something to work towards. “I loved watching how they entertained the kids and that connection on a one-to-one basis. That’s what I do with Mister Maker, using arts and crafts and lots of fun to create a show that inspires people of all ages to get arty. Its comical and funny and the kids feel as if Mister Maker is one of their friends.” When asked what makes the show so popular, Phil laughs and says, “My hair of course.” Mister Maker is well known for his kooky hairstyle and his colourful vests, with the show commanding the attention of tens of thousands of viewers across the globe. Screened in over 100 countries, and dubbed in several different languages, Mister Maker’s crafty approach to children’s entertainment sees mini-makers transcend culture and age, with a fan base ranging from toddlers to adults. “The main reason for the show’s success is that it is about arts and crafts which are a universal thing, or at least being creative is something people from all walks of life can do. Mister Maker teaches simple art techniques and tries to inspire people
to make something. It is making arts and crafts popular around the world.” Mister Maker is such a hit that Phil is oftern recognised when he goes out. “It is mainly parents who spot me and say ‘It’s Mister Maker’ to their kids. These days it’s quite funny as grownups will ask for a selfie with me. It’s always really lovely to meet people and I’m honoured that they watch and enjoy the show.” Mister Maker is travelling around Australia and will be paying a visit. He won’t be alone though. The Shapes will be there as a supporting cast. “It still sends tingles up my spine when the shapes come onto the stage for the first time during our shows. The kids absolutely love them! This craft-packed show is sure to be bundles of fun for the whole family, so mini-makers - book your tickets early; you don’t want to miss out. “We’ll have so much fun. There will be lots of craft, but also plenty of singing and dancing. Make sure you get along to see us. I can’t wait to see all of you!” said Gallagher. Mister Maker and The Shapes will be heading to Frankston Arts Centre for two shows on 27 January (11am and 1.30pm) For tickets go to: www.thefac.com. au or call 9784 1060.
JAZZ COMES TO CRUDEN FARM
CRUDEN FARM SAT 18 FEBRUARY 2017 McCLELLAND SCULPTURE PARK FUNDRAISER
Music fo o d , w , in & silen e t auctio n!
This year, McClelland is delighted that Derek Guille the renowned broadcaster, author and musician has agreed to curate and MC what promises to be a very special event featuring two of Melbourne’s finest jazz groups The Pearly Shells and Ultrafox (featuring Julie O’Hara) along with one of our favourites in The Frankston High School Senior Stage Band, directed by Leon de Bruin. Derek Guille presented the statewide Afternoon Program on 774 ABC Melbourne and ABC Local Radio throughout Victoria and Southern New South Wales before taking up the reins of the ABC Evening Program for Victoria in 2003. In September 2011, Derek departed from his top rating evening radio show and the ABC after a career of 25 years at the microphone.
Bring your picnic basket, rug, table & chairs and sit back and enjoy the ambience and surrounds of the beautiful Cruden Farm garden and lakes. Available for purchase: wines, soft drinks, sausage sizzle, tea and coffee and an array of Southern Style Jazz inspired cuisines. For tickets phone 03 9789 1671 or visit www.mcclellandgallery.com
PAGE 20
Frankston Times 23 January 2017
During his time as a broadcaster, Derek has undertaken thousands of interviews. From the world of news and current affairs, arts and culture, science and research, the list is seemingly endless. From interviews with Bryce Courtney, Elvis Costello, Sir Gus Nossal, Malcolm Fraser and Paul Keating, to interviewing David Attenborough and chairing his literary lunch and speaking with kd lang on stage after her gig in the Iwaki Auditorium. In 2007, Derek accompanied the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra on its 2007 European tour where he found inspiration in the northern French village of Villers-Bretonneux to write a children’s novel The Promise “A heart-warming tale for children, tracing
the special bond forged nearly a century ago between the French village of VillersBretonneux and Australia……. A gentle introduction to the legacy of one of Australia’s most famous battlefields”. Other performers on the night include The Pearly Shells and Ultrafox. So bring your picnic basket, rug, table & chairs, and sit back, enjoy and dance to the very best of music in the extraordinary ambiance and surrounds of the rose gardens at Cruden Farm. Also available for purchase on the day, wine, beer soft drinks, tea and coffee, the ever popular sausage sizzle and Southern Style jazz cuisine. McClelland’s Twilight Jazz Annual Fundraiser at Cruden Farm. Saturday 18 February 2017. 4pm – 8pm Tickets $25 pre purchased before the day ($30 on the day at the gate) (Children under 12 are free) Sponsored by Elgee Park and Karingal Hub