Mr Dressup

1 9 6 7 – 1 9 9 6 (Canada)
30 minute episodes

The character of Mr Dressup originally appeared on the Canadian children’s series Butternut Square (1964 – 1967) before being spun off into a show of his own, which became one of the longest-running children’s series in Canadian television history.

The format didn’t change much from when Mr Dressup first aired in February 1967, and the blend of education and make-believe remained throughout the show’s run.

The simplicity of the show never waivered – the softly-spoken Mr Dressup (Ernie Coombs) meandered along for half an hour surrounded by puppets like mop-haired eternal 4-year-old boy Casey, his floppy-eared mute dog Finnegan and old Grannylocks as the characters dressed up and played make-believe, told stories, drew pictures, played games, sang songs and discussed the world around them.

Week after week, Coombs dived into his “Tickle Trunk” of dress-up clothes and props and emerged as a rock star, a pirate, or a dragon.

Initially, Mr Dressup was joined by a young lady by the name of Susan Marcus, who eventually ended up working as a writer for the show.

Coombs’ long-time collaborator Judith Larence retired from the show in 1991 and took her creations – hand puppets Casey and Finnegan – with her. But Mr Dressup soldiered on with new puppets, including Grannie and young Annie, Chester the crow, a fluffy pink thing called Truffles, Lorenzo the Raccoon and a character called Tutti Frutti.

After almost 30 years on the air, the final episode of Mr Dressup was recorded in February 1996.

Mr Dressup
Ernie Coombs
Casey (voice)
Judith Lawrence
Lorenzo the Raccoon (voice)
Nina Keogh
Grannie (voice)
Jani Lauzon
Susan
Susan Marcus

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