"LazyTown" began as a storybook published in 1995 titled "Áfram Latibær!" (""Go Go LazyTown!""). In 1996, a stage adaptation of the book was shown in Iceland. It featured Stephanie as an out-of-shape dancer and Sportacus as an energetic elf. The puppet characters seen in the television series also appeared in human form, but Robbie Rotten did not yet exist. A second stage show titled "Glanni Glæpur í Latabæ" (""Robbie Rotten in LazyTown"") debuted in 1999. It introduced Stefán Karl Stefánsson as Robbie and featured more finalized versions of the other characters. Nickelodeon Australia reported that by the time the second play finished touring, "LazyTown" had become a household name in Iceland. A variety of tie-in products and media were created in the country before Scheving decided to develop "LazyTown" into a television program; these included bottled water, toy figures, and a radio station.