Bananas in Pyjamas actor claims the iconic ABC characters were KIDNAPPED by the Russian mafia
As someone who grew up watching Bananas in Pyjamas, this story of international intrigue and the iconic yellow characters being held for ransom by the Russian mafia is nothing short of astounding. It’s like living a real-life John Le Carré novel, albeit with a twist of surreal humor.
It’s a story ripped straight from the pages of a John Le Carre novel, featuring abduction, international intrigue and…bananas.
Australian actor Kenneth Radley has asserted a surprising tale, suggesting that the beloved children’s figures, the Bananas in Pyjamas, were secretly abducted and held captive for ransom by an unexpected group – the Russian mafia.
Kenneth, 61, who played B1 for 10 years, revealed to News Corp this week that the iconic ABC characters were the unlikely subjects of an international abduction plot.
The actor shared that the situation unfolded after Grahame Grassby, head of ABC marketing, brought the distinctive yellow costumes to Russia during a promotional trip.
Kenneth shared that Graham frequently took the Bananas on global tours, snapping their pictures at famous landmarks like the White House and the Tower of London.
Regrettably, during their stay in Russia, Graham’s costumes were taken, accompanied by a threat note claiming it was from the Russian mafia. They demanded a ransom of $100,000 to ensure the safe return of the bananas.
‘Grahame got in touch with ABC Sydney and said, “this has happened, they want $100,000, what will we do?’”’ Kenneth said
The leader of ABC stated, “I’m afraid we can’t provide them $100,000. What is the cost for replacing these items?” To which Graham responded, “They typically cost around $20,000 to manufacture.
Kenneth asserted that the ABC instructed Graham to propose a ransom of $20,000 to the kidnappers, hoping for custom-made outfits if they declined the proposal.
As a committed follower, I transferred AUD 20,000 and found myself heading towards a rendezvous with the Russian mob, clutching a briefcase. At one point, I paused and pondered, ‘What on earth am I getting myself into?’ – that was my thoughts, Kenneth shared.
Kenneth went on to explain that during his journey towards the exchange, Graham experienced a sudden shift in feelings, causing him to cancel the meeting and effectively leaving B1 and B2 isolated, much like being behind an ‘impassable barrier’.
‘He went straight to the airport and got on a plane with the $20,000,’ Kenneth said.
‘So the bananas are actually in some gulag in Russia, in some freezing cold jail,’ he laughed.
Kenneth was the longest serving. B1, donning the iconic yellow costume from 1993 to 2001.
Beyond his unforgettable performances, I can’t help but marvel at the diverse roles Kenneth has tackled on the big screen. From the poignant Rabbit-Proof Fence to the vibrant The Adventures of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert, and even swashbuckling in Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales – it’s his versatility that truly captivates me!
Way back in the 1960s, the idea that would eventually grow into the beloved series Bananas in Pyjamas took root. This series was first shown on television in 1992.
The TV show that centers around characters B1 and B2 originated from the 1967 Carey Blyton ballad about Bananas in Pyjamas, first broadcast on Play School.
In 1972, Carey released a children’s book titled Bananas in Pyjamas: A Book of Nonsense.
And in 1978, ABC aired a short animated video of the Bananas’ first descent down the stairs.
Later on, Helena Harris recognized the characters’ potential after listening to the melody during a Play School performance she attended with her children.
Helena, who was also the brains behind Hi-5, believed the bananas could have their own show.
In Play School, one of the select characters stood out with a distinct personality. They pursued teddy bears, and I believed they could be redesigned to appear more youthful, less unattractive, and children would find them endearing, Harris shared with The Manly Daily in 2016.
The series, set in Cuddles Avenue, Cuddlestown, followed B1 and B2 and their teddy bear friends along with Rat-in-a-Hat.
Harris revealed she wanted the original series to be animated, however, the idea was too expensive.
She mentioned that financial constraints made animation impossible, yet her vision was to create something reminiscent of a comic book brought to life. Remarkably, what transpired surpassed expectations; the characters and overall presentation fit perfectly well, she noted.
The live action series ended in 2001.
In 2011, the show became a completely animated version until it ceased production in 2013.
Ever since it first aired, Bananas in Pyjamas has garnered numerous nominations and accolades. It’s been translated into various languages, making it popular among young audiences around the globe.
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2024-11-30 17:50