All right, probably around the time I was 3-4 (early 80s) I remember seeing on Television, this non animated kids show (?). What I can remember from the show.
-Characters that look like puppets, but playe dby actual people. They were all decked out with clown looking make up, things like that.
-There was a main human boy character, maybe 13-15. I think he was transported to this world by accidentally opening some book.
-A vivid scene is when him and a main otherworld girl is hanging by a tree branch over a river of shampoo. They were on the run from a evil magician.

I know, kind of scant on details, but it's all I can remember from so long ago.

Thanks

Could it be romper room? YouTube - WPWR Channel 50 - Romper Room & Friends (Part 2, 1981/1991)