Button Moon
1980 - United KingdomOriginally dreamt up by Ian Allen as a stage show in 1978, Button Moon made its charming leap to television two years later, debuting on Thames Television in 1980. Over the course of seven series and 91 episodes, the show built a dedicated following among young viewers with its simple, imaginative storytelling and delightfully homespun aesthetic.
At the heart of Button Moon is Mr. Spoon, a humble character made from kitchen utensils, who embarks on regular adventures to the titular Button Moon in his homemade rocket-ship. Each episode followed a comforting structure: a journey from the family's home on "Junk Planet," an adventure on Button Moon, a peek through Mr. Spoon’s telescope to glimpse a short story from another part of the universe, and then a return home.
What made Button Moon stand out from other children’s programming of the time was its unapologetically lo-fi charm. Characters and props, crafted from household items like spoons, cups, and bottle caps, gave the show a tactile, accessible quality that encouraged kids to see the creative possibilities in everyday objects. It was a world where imagination was more important than polish, and that gave it enduring appeal.
The soothing narration by Robin Parkinson brought consistency and warmth to the series, guiding young viewers through each episode’s gentle storyline. Meanwhile, the catchy and endearing theme tune—written and performed by then-married couple Peter Davison and Sandra Dickinson—became iconic in its own right, fondly remembered by generations who grew up watching the show.
Though primarily a TV show, Button Moon also returned to its theatrical roots with a live stage production in the 1980s, bringing the characters and world to life for children across the UK.
In an era of fast-paced, digitally animated content, Button Moon remains a nostalgic reminder of a time when creativity, simplicity, and a good story were all you needed to transport viewers to another world. For many, it's still a treasured part of childhood—proof that a spoon, a telescope, and a button-shaped moon can take you just about anywhere.
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Seen this show? How do you rate it?
Published on November 30th, 2018. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.
