The Topp Twins

The Topp Twins television series was a highly acclaimed New Zealand comedy and musical show created by twin sisters Jools and Lynda Topp. Running for three seasons, the show featured their iconic cast of original Kiwi characters, including the bossy Camp Mother and her bumbling companion Camp Leader, the Bowling Ladies, and the cross-dressing Ken and Ken. The series followed the twins as they integrated their musical performances and comedic sketches into everyday New Zealand life and events, such as A&P shows, netball matches, the Otago Cavalcade, and speedway racing. The show is a major piece of New Zealand broadcasting history.

Comedy

Seasons

1. Beach

Air Date: 1996-06-01

In this hilarious debut episode of The Topp Twins series, join The Topp Twins' iconic characters Camp Mother and Camp Leader as they take on the ultimate Kiwi challenge — entering a triathlon!

2. Polo

Air Date: 1996-06-08

Lynda and Jools ride headfirst into the traditions, quirks, and elegance of this elite equestrian sport — Topp Twins style, of course! Expect ponies, posh accents, and plenty of laughs as they mix with players, fans, and polo royalty.

3. Waka

Air Date: 1996-06-15

Camp Mother and Camp Leader find themselves swept up in the excitement of a Māori waka regatta — a powerful celebration of culture, tradition, and some very competitive paddling! As beautifully carved canoes race up the river, expect heartfelt moments, cultural insights, and, of course, plenty of signature Topp Twins humour.

4. A&P Show

Air Date: 1996-06-22

Camp Mother and Camp Leader head to the heart of rural New Zealand for the beloved A&P Show. Together, the pair explore the quirks and characters of this iconic Kiwi tradition. From prize cows and homemade jams to wood chopping and sheep shearing, it's all happening at the showgrounds — and no one’s safe from the Twins’ trademark mischief!

5. Shears

Air Date: 1996-06-29

The pair go behind the scenes at a high-stakes international sheep-shearing competition, where speed, skill, and woolly chaos reign supreme!

6. Scouts

Air Date: 1996-07-06

The hilarious duo take on an international scout jamboree in one of NZ’s most beautiful wilderness areas.

1. Speedway

Air Date: 1998-06-01

On Episode 1 of The Topp Twins Series 2, the duo dive into the culture of fast car racing at the speedway as the Camps and the Kens enter a real race.

2. Racing

Air Date: 1998-06-08

The duo explore the culture of horse-training and racing in New Zealand.

3. Netball

Air Date: 1998-06-15

The hilarious duo dive into the team-building and excitement of competitive sport. Ken becomes a woman and finds himself selected for the Silver Ferns, New Zealand’s professional netball team!

4. Wine & Food

Air Date: 1998-06-22

Camp Mother and Leader attend a wine and food festival while the Kens learn the finer points of wining and dining women.

5. Pasifika

Air Date: 1998-06-29

The duo dive into the largest Pacific cultural celebration in the world. Ken hires private detectives to track Camp Mother as she performs her civic duties.

6. Otago Cavalcade

Air Date: 1998-07-06

It’s gold-rush fever in the far south as our intrepid travellers join a re-enactment of the pioneer trail through New Zealand’s historic goldfields.

1. Highland Games

Air Date: 2000-06-01

Ken participates in real Highland Games to impress the lady of his dreams, celebrating all things Scottish with a new spin on the Braveheart story.

2. Army & Bush

Air Date: 2000-06-08

Army training proves not for the faint-hearted as the Kens get lost in the bush.

3. Dogs

Air Date: 2000-06-15

The duo explore the culture of dogs and the people who love and care for them.

4. Bowls & Golf

Air Date: 2000-06-22

Little old ladies in white lawn bowling outfits become commandoes defending their club from the golf club’s expansion plans.

5. Vacation

Air Date: 2000-06-29

Camp Mother and her off-sider take a tourist’s look at New Zealand, making a promo video and trying out first-hand some of the country’s most scenic activities.

6. Farm, The Musical

Air Date: 2000-07-06

Ken’s farm is under threat and his best mate has written a musical, “Farm.” The local operatic society stages the production with original music and even some dancing!

7. Road Chase

Air Date: 2000-07-13

It’s one big road journey with the chaser becoming the chased, as all the characters pursue each other—except for the Camps, who remain oblivious to the Kens’ obsession.

Select an episode to start watching

Rating

0.0/10

Release Date

1996-06-01

Episodes

19 (3 seasons)

Status

Returning Series

Cast

Jools Topp

Self/Various

Lynda Topp