Stay-at-home mum Debbie Maddox (played by the amazing Martha Howe-Douglas) gets dragged into the world of Yonderland by a nameless elf (voiced by The Wrong Mans’ Mathew Baynton). Here she discovers that she is the “Chosen One” and destined to save the world from the clutches of the evil Negatus (the always hilarious Simon Farnaby) and his dim-witted demons.

Those familiar with the excellent, and now sadly finished (almost) Horrible Histories will have their high expectations met with this extremely funny and clever show. Whilst not sketch-based, as per the gang’s previous series, the irreverent and cheeky sense of fun continues with a strong narrative throughout the eight episodes.

The previously mentioned Howe-Douglas, Baynton and Farnaby are joined by their fellow fantastic Histories chums Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond whilst they welcome newcomer Renton Skinner, probably best known for his role as Angelos Epithemiou on Shooting Stars, as Debbie’s husband Peter. Though new to the crew, Skinner fits in perfectly, playing the loveable spouse in delightful ignorance of his wife’s other life.

As with Histories, the troupe play multiple characters, each more hilarious and pleasing than the last; Howick’s Crone from the first episode is a hoot (and slightly edgy, parents may want to note) whilst Farnaby’s desire to cast of his Elder’s robes cannot fail to raise a smile. Elsewhere we have the fabulous puppet couple Mr Havelock and Miss Fanshawe whose ongoing unrequited love gag is a highlight in each episode.

With new and different characters each week, it was an astute move to reassemble the best of these for the series’ finale, and so the highly amusing creations of the Estate Agents (formerly Monks who could not lie), Wizard Bradley and his Mojo and the Gallants (a couple who will politely fight to the death) get a return outing – adding to the sense of fun, but also to the epic scale of Debbie’s adventure, which has encompassed so many bizarre people and creatures.

Of course, and speaking of creatures, many of the “cast” are the superb creations of Baker Coogan Productions, long-time collaborators of the Jim Henson Company. The puppets are sublime and are seamlessly integrated into the onscreen action. Elf and Nick the Stick, in particular, are most certainly up there with any puppets from the likes of The Muppets, Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.

This high quality permeates the entire production and Horrible Histories director Steve Connelly does a sterling job in bringing the mythical land and its colourful characters to life utilising, for the most part, in-camera practical effects. A breath of fresh, not to mention real, air in this increasingly computer-generated televisual world.

Describing Yonderland as Labyrinth meets Monty Python may seem slightly lazy (which it is), but it also doesn’t give enough credit to the fantastic team behind the show. Whilst reminiscent of the Holy Grail and the Henson classic, it’s very much its own beast. Achieving laughs from wonderful performances and cleverly crafted jokes, Yonderland will not fail to entertain from the very young to the very old.

Released on DVD on Monday 17 February 2014.

> Buy Series 1 on DVD on Amazon.

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