You remember the song. It’s a literal earworm that has lived rent-free in the collective consciousness of millions since 1992. But when you think about the cast of bananas in pyjamas, do you picture the yellow foam suits or the actual human beings who spent years sweating inside them? Most people don't realize that playing B1 or B2 wasn't just about wobbling down stairs; it was a grueling, high-temperature physical performance that required a specific type of actor.
The show started as a simple segment on the Australian classic Play School. It was inspired by a 1967 song by Carey Blyton. No one expected it to become a global juggernaut that aired in over 70 countries. Because the characters were full-body puppets, the "cast" is actually split into two distinct groups: the physical performers in the suits and the voice actors who gave them those iconic, slightly posh-sounding Australian accents.
The Physical Performers: Living Inside the Yellow Suit
Life inside a six-foot banana suit is not glamorous. It's hot. It’s claustrophobic. You’re basically looking out through the character's mouth or a small mesh strip, trying not to trip over your own oversized feet while chasing a teddy bear.
The most famous duo to inhabit the suits were Duncan Wass and Ken Radley. Wass was the original B1, while Radley took on the mantle of B2. However, the lineup shifted over the years. Nicholas Opolski and Peter Mackie also stepped into the yellow foam. These actors had to develop a specific physical language. Since they couldn't use facial expressions, every emotion had to be conveyed through a tilt of the head or a dramatic shrug. It was essentially mime work on a massive scale.
Ken Radley, specifically, stayed with the show for a significant run. Imagine doing that for hours a day under studio lights. The sheer physical stamina required is something the average viewer never thinks about. They weren't just "mascots"; they were classically trained actors who had to synchronize their movements perfectly to pre-recorded audio tracks.
The Voices: Why B1 and B2 Sounded That Way
If the physical actors provided the body, the voice cast provided the soul. The voices remained remarkably consistent, which is why the transition to the CGI version of the show in 2011 felt so jarring for some long-time fans.
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Duncan Wass didn't just move as B1; he voiced him initially too. But the most recognizable voices for the majority of the show's run were Duncan Wass (and later others) for B1 and Nicholas Opolski for B2.
Then you have the supporting cast. The "Teddies" and Rat in a Hat were the foils to the Bananas' chaotic energy.
- Amy, Lulu, and Morgan: The three Teddy Bears who lived next door. They were voiced by Mary-Ann Henshaw, Taylor Owyns, and Jeremy Scrivener.
- Rat in a Hat: Perhaps the most complex character in Cuddlestown. He was the resident "entrepreneur" (read: con artist). He was played by Shane McNamara, who brought a wonderful, sneering, yet lovable quality to the Rat. McNamara’s performance is often cited by fans as the highlight of the show because he gave the Rat a personality that felt slightly more "grown-up" than the Bananas.
Why the 2011 CGI Reboot Changed Everything
In 2011, the ABC decided to move away from the "man-in-suit" format. They went full CGI. This was a massive turning point for the cast of bananas in pyjamas.
While some of the original voice cast returned, the physical acting—the "clunkiness" that gave the original show its charm—was gone. In the animated version, the characters became more agile. They could jump, run, and move in ways a human in a foam suit never could. For purists, this felt like a loss of "humanity." The tactile nature of the original show, where you could see the fabric of the pyjamas and the slight wobbling of the heads, was replaced by smooth digital renders.
Interestingly, Shane McNamara returned to voice Rat in a Hat for the CGI series, providing a much-needed bridge between the two eras. Ken Radley, the veteran B2, also returned to voice his character in the animated format for a time. This continuity helped the show maintain its identity even as the medium changed.
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The Secret "Third" Banana and Other Trivia
Did you know there were actually more than two Bananas? Not in the show's lore, of course, but on set. Because the suits were so taxing to wear, "body doubles" or stunt performers were often used for wide shots or physically demanding sequences.
The original suits were incredibly heavy. By the time the show reached its peak in the late 90s, the costume department had managed to shave off several kilograms of weight using newer foam technologies. But even then, the actors could only stay inside for about 20 to 30 minutes at a time before needing to "de-peel" to avoid heat exhaustion.
The Global Impact of the Cast
We often talk about Hollywood stars, but the cast of bananas in pyjamas arguably had a wider global reach during the 90s than many A-list actors. They were massive in the UK, the US, and across Asia.
When the cast did live tours, they would perform to sold-out stadiums. It was "Banana-mania." But because the actors were hidden behind masks, they could walk down the street the very next day and no one would recognize them. It’s the ultimate actor’s dream: fame and fortune without the loss of privacy.
A Breakdown of the Core Cuddlestown Residents
Since we're looking at the ensemble, it's worth noting how the chemistry worked. The Bananas were the "children"—innocent, impulsive, and constantly surprised by the world. The Teddies were the "older siblings"—more rational and often having to fix the Bananas' mistakes. Rat in a Hat was the "adult" who was arguably less mature than everyone else.
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- B1 & B2: The chaotic duo. Their catchphrase "Are you thinking what I'm thinking, B1?" "I think I am, B2!" is a masterclass in simple, repetitive branding.
- Rat in a Hat: Voiced by Shane McNamara. He lived in the shop and was obsessed with "cheese and whiskers."
- Morgan: Often the most sensitive of the Teddies.
- Amy: Usually the leader of the Teddy trio.
- Lulu: The "smart" one who often saw through the Rat's schemes.
Where Are They Now?
Most of the original cast members have moved on to varied careers in the Australian arts. Nicholas Opolski (B2) has had a prolific career in Australian television, appearing in shows like Neighbours and Blue Heelers. Shane McNamara remains a staple of the voice acting and theater community.
The legacy of the original cast of bananas in pyjamas is preserved in the archives of the ABC. While the CGI version continues to find new audiences, the "human" era of the 1990s remains the definitive version for those who grew up with it. There’s something special about knowing there was a real person inside that yellow suit, struggling to see through a mesh mouth while trying to make a generation of children laugh.
Practical Steps for Nostalgia Seekers
If you're looking to dive back into the world of Cuddlestown or introduce it to a new generation, here’s how to do it right:
- Seek out the "Live Action" era: Look for DVDs or streaming collections specifically labeled from 1992–2001. This is where you’ll find the original physical cast.
- Check out the ABC Archives: The Australian Broadcasting Corporation often releases "behind the scenes" footage showing the actors getting into the suits. It’s fascinating and slightly terrifying to see a headless B1.
- Appreciate the Voice Work: Listen closely to the Rat in a Hat. Shane McNamara’s timing is genuinely brilliant, even by adult standards.
- The Music: Don't just stick to the theme song. The original cast recorded several albums of songs (like "The Weepy-Wait Song") that are actually quite well-produced for children's media.
The show worked because it didn't talk down to kids. It was weird, it was brightly colored, and it had a cast that was willing to sweat for their craft. Literally.