The shows were broadcast live in front of an audience largely of children, originally at the King's Theatre on Hammersmith Road until 1963, then at the BBC Television Theatre (now the Shepherds Bush Empire). The format of the programme included competitive games for teams of children, a music spot, a comedy double act, and a finale in which the cast performed a short comic play, adapting popular songs of the day and incorporating them into the action.—gerrymccaffrey

A regular game was Double Or Drop, which involved carrying increasing numbers of cabbages. The winners would get a prize, and the losers the prized Crackerjack pencils. Whenever the host said the word "Crackerjack", the audience would have to shout it back, loudly. If they missed it, they were good-humouredly chided.—grahamrounce