Phil Gallagher as Mister Maker.
Camera IconPhil Gallagher as Mister Maker. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mister Maker comes to Perth

Tanya MacNaughtonEastern Reporter

JIMMY Rees from Giggle and Hoot will have some strong competition for the nicest children’s television show presenter in the country next month.

Phil Gallagher, aka Mister Maker, is bringing his gloopy glue, sharp scissors and The Shapes to Australia for the first national Mister Maker Live! tour, finishing at Perth Concert Hall, July 14 to 15.

Hailing from Kent, the English star to children and their parents said although it sounded cliché, he was living his dream.

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“Even while I was growing up I wanted to be a kids tv show presenter,” Gallagher said.

“I always say getting the job as Mister Maker was the best day of my life but then every day since has kind of bettered it.”

After graduating from Canterbury Christ Church University in 1998 with a degree in radio, film and television production, Gallagher started at the bottom of the ladder as a Disney Channel runner in London before moving behind the camera to production, direction and scriptwriting.

He moved to the BBC as a television director for Cbeebies (similar to ABC KIDS) and was handed his Mister Maker spotty waistcoat and jacket in 2007.

“It started off as a very traditional man stands behind a desk and shows art techniques type of art show, but I’ve always loved live theatre,” Gallagher said.

“So I kind of kept pushing the fact that we could do these live shows and eventually my bosses bought in to it which was brilliant.

“What we have with the live show is the spirit, heart and creativity of Mister Maker the tv show but presented in a completely different way.

“The audience won’t come and see a live performance of the tv show as they know it, it will be completely different with a supporting cast of dancers, singers and of course, The Shapes.

“I still get goosebumps every time they come out and I can’t wait for the children of Perth to see The Shapes and make some noise.”

THE ESSENTIALS

What: Mister Maker Live!

Where: Perth Concert Hall

When: July 14 to 15

Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au