Hi-5's new members tap and cook

Check out the new additions to one of the most popular child entertainment groups in the world.

• Fourth generation of children's group Hi-5
• Premiere of documentary Some Kind of Wonderful
• National meet and greet announced below

YOU can add cooking and tap to the entertainment menu offered by the new generation of beloved children's group Hi-5.

Hi-5 will today reveal the three new members - Ainsley Melham, Mary Lascaris and Dayen Zheng - unearthed during a national talent search to join mainstays Stevie Nicholson and Lauren Brant.

The fresh faces of the fourth generation of Hi-F will walk the purple carpet to meet their fans at the premiere of Some Kind Of Wonderful, a feature documentary which traces the evolution of the children's entertainment brand and the audition process.

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Nicholson said Melham's tap-dancing skills and Zheng's passion for cooking would bring something new to the globally popular crew.

"One of the things we have never had in Hi-5 is a tap dancer so Ainsley will be showcasing that great skill,'' he said.

"And Dayen is an amazing cook so we definitely want to incorporate that into the show, particularly with respect to healthy eating which is something you have to stay on top of with children now.''

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While they started as a television show in 1998, Hi-5 now spends more than half a year touring Australia and the world, building huge fanbases throughout Asia and South America.

The new line-up of Hi-5 ahead of the launch of their feature documentary - from left Mary Lascaris, Stevie Nicholson, Lauren Brant, Ainsley Melham and Dayen Zheng. Picture: Nic Gibson

Their first film follows the process of whittling down 50 potential candidates for the three positions and will have screenings throughout the country.

"It is amazing to see how far Hi-5 has evolved from dancing styles to costumes," Nicholson says.

Nicholson said he was proud the film would show parents the care the team behind the show had taken with their talent search.

"I'm proud of how diligent we were about finding wholesome new talent, people with a great energy and who are genuinely lovely people,'' he said.

Zheng has a head start on her new generation cast mates having toured with Hi-5 throughout Asia last year.

Melham scored the gig straight out of the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, while Lascaris has been a children's entertainer for several years and was studying primary school teaching.

They will start filming the next series later this year and then face the ultimate challenge of usurping The Wiggles' domination of the annual ARIA award for Best Children's Release.

"We love those guys!'' Nicholson protested when asked if there was any rivalry for the ARIA crown.

"I think we are working really hard (towards the award); that's all we can do. Ok, we are ready to rumble."

Hi-5 will meet and greet their fans at these screenings.

SYDNEY

Saturday 16th March: 2pm Hoyts Fox Studio's, Lang Road The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park 2021 NSW

Saturday 23rd March: 10am Hoyts Broadway, Broadway Shopping Centre, cnr Greek & Bay Street, Broadway 2007 NSW

Sunday 24th March: 10am Hoyts Blacktown, Westpoint Shopping Centre, Level 4, Patrick Street, Blacktown 2148 NSW

Tuesday 2nd April: 10am Hoyts Charlestown, 244 Pacific Highway,
Charlestown 2290 NSW

Tuesday 16th April: 10am Hoyts Warrawong, cnr King & Cowper St, Westfield Shopping Centre, Warrawong 2502 NSW

Saturday 20th April: 10am Hoyts Penrith, Westfield Shopping Centre, cnr Jane and Riley St, Penrith 2750 NSW

Sunday 21st April: 10am Hoyts Warringah Mall, Warringah Mall, corner of Condamine St. and Old Pittwater Rd. Brookvale 2100 NSW

Tues 23rd April: 10am Hoyts Erina, Erina Fair Shopping Centre, Terrigal Drive, Erina 2250 NSW

Saturday 27th April: 10am Hoyts Chatswood Mandarin, Westfield Shopping Centre, Level 7, 28 Victor Street, Chatswood 2067 NSW

Sunday 28th April: 10am Hoyts Eastgardens, Westfield Shopping Centre, 152 Bunnerong Rd, Eastgardens 2036 NSW

BRISBANE

Tuesday 9th April : 10am Hoyts Stafford, Stafford City Shopping Centre, 400 Stafford Rd, Stafford 4053 QLD

MELBOURNE

Saturday 13th April: 10am Hoyts Chadstone, Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone 3148 VIC

Sunday 14th April: 10am Hoyts Highpoint, Highpoint Shopping Centre, Rosamond Rd, Maribyrnong 3032 VIC
 

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