Nerdly » ‘Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles’ Review (Amazon Prime)

22nd Nov2023

‘Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles’ Review (Amazon Prime)

by James Rodrigues

Featuring: Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Greg Page, Jeff Fatt, Jackie Cannizzaro, Evie Ferris, Lachlan Gillespie, Tsehay Hawkins, Caterina Mete | Directed by Sally Aitken

Described as The Beatles for toddlers, The Wiggles are an Australian musical group who were once the country’s top entertainment earners – making more than stars like Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman. With Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles director Sally Aitken crafts a behind-the-scenes look focusing on the most widely known iteration of the group – made up of Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Greg Page, and Jeff Fatt – while not being limited to that version.

The original line-up was a group of friends that met at university while taking an Early Childhood course, with some already members of the band ‘The Cockroaches.’ Bringing together a range of musical styles, they combined their teachings with a love of music to become a band that successfully sold albums. They would evolve into a successful show on stage and TV, with the documentary offering a look at the band’s thought process in creating elements such as numerous songs, characters like Dorothy the Dinosaur, and incorporating new additions like ballet dancers and circus training.

Talking head interviews with the band offer interesting insight, such as their evident knowledge about what they can create to best engage children. There are fun revelations, such as the running gag of Jeff falling asleep being born from how he was not trusted to say much, and heartfelt moments touching upon their individual struggles, including the strain touring placed upon their families, and Greg Page’s developing health issues. The latter element would lead to Sam Moran being a momentary successor in the group, although one wishes there was a deeper exploration into his poorly handled departure.

Intercut throughout are home videos of children enjoying The Wiggles, and scenes of adults enjoying the original group reunited for a 2022 concert. This adds a personal element to the documentary, showing in endearing fashion what love is held for the band by those who grew up watching them. Such adoration is also shared by celebrities, with photographs and stories included to show how far-reaching the adoration was for the band, peaking with a surreal video of John Travolta performing Hot Potato.

A surprising element has the members discuss 9/11, with the additional perspective of a firefighter’s widow highlighting the necessity of the group to bring joy and positivity during such a dark time. This effectively captures how the band would endeavour to help during tough times in the world, such as the original line-up reuniting for a bushfire benefit show, or the group covering Tame Impala’s Elephant during COVID. Moments like these highlight that they sincerely wish to spread happiness throughout the world, by offering help in the best way they can – through singing.

No matter how many new members are added to the group, it is clear that The Wiggles intend to remain a part of children’s lives while adapting where necessary, as seen with a recent change to be more inclusive. By the end of Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles, it feels like viewers have been on a journey with this band and, regardless of whether it is aimed at us or not, one is left rooting for this Australian group to persevere.