The show, based on Milligan’s children’s book is becoming a 13-part animation.
Based on the beloved kids’ book by Spike Milligan, Badjelly is an irreverent modern fairy tale. First published in 1973, Badjelly the Witch: A Fairy Story, was originally written by the comic for his own children.
The tale follows Tim and Rose who are looking for their lost cow, Lucy. While searching they encounter strange and magical characters in the great black forest and are captured by Badjelly. She’s “the wickedest witch in all the world.”
Packed full of weird and wonderful surprises about good triumphing over evil, the book was hand-written and illustrated by Milligan himself, and published by Penguin.
The story is particularly popular in New Zealand where an audio recording, read by Milligan and backed by a large orchestra, became a regular feature on morning radio. Apparently, the LP version has sold more than 40,000 copies!
The new animation is an international co-production between New Zealand’s Mukpuddy Animation, Canada’s Sphere Animation and the UK’s Cantilever Media. Commissioned by New Zealand’s TVNZ and WildBrain Television’s Family Channel in Canada, it has already been acquired by ABC Australia.
Miriam Margoyles, who has lent her vocal talents to The Meep in the first of Doctor Who’s 60th Anniversary Specials, will voice Badjelly herself. Malachi Hall (The Flatshare) and Ava Diakhaby (Shortland Street), play Tim and Rose.
The wider voice cast includes Rhys Darby, Roisin Conaty, Cohen Holloway, Joe Wilkinson, Katherine Parkinson, Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Julian Barratt. Plus, Doctor Who’s Mandip Gill.
Head writer and co-director Ryan Cooper said:
“We’ve assembled a great team of writers and creatives who are taking Spike Milligan’s creation to another level of enchantment, thrills and whimsical quirky fun. Stay tuned as this magical ‘Badjelly’ animated series rekindles the spirit of Milligan’s whimsical world and takes you on an unforgettable adventure!”
Producer Simon Ward added:
“’Badjelly the Witch’ is wildly popular in New Zealand. Generations of Kiwi kids have grown up with the book, the radio play and countless versions of the stage show. We’re delighted to bring this beloved classic to a global audience with our take on Spike Milligan’s bonkers adventure.”
Already in production, the 13 x 22-minute Badjelly aims for a 7-11 year old audience and a 2025 launch.
Hopefully, it finds a UK broadcaster too! We’ll keep you posted.