Spike Milligan’s all-time favourite story Badjelly the Witch comes to life on the stage this month for an exciting season.
Auckland’s leading children’s theatre company, Tim Bray Productions presents Badjelly the Witch at the PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna from 22 September – 13 October.
Millions of children worldwide have grown up with the story of Tim and Rose’s madcap adventure through the great black forest and into Badjelly’s castle, and in New Zealand it regularly featured on morning radio with the album selling more than 40,000 copies and achieving double platinum status.
The story, originally written by Milligan for his children, has been adapted for the stage by Tim Bray and features The Goons' 'Ying Tong' song along with Monty Pythonesque comedy. Tim hopes audiences will join in the fun and cheer as Tim and Rose set off to search for Lucy their lost cow, laugh with enchanted creatures Dinglemouse, Mud-wiggle and Binkle-bonk and boo at Badjelly when she captures Tim and Rose and threatens to turn them into sausages.
Tim Bray, QSM, says: “I love Monty Python, so when I wrote the script I wanted to bring in that style of silly comedy as Spike Milligan and the Goons were inspirational to the Pythons. Our designers took this idea further and have created a 1970s and Pythonesque pastiche in the set and costumes.”
Well-known Tim Bray Productions’ actor Tim Raby returns as Badjelly with Jacob Dale as Tim, Jessica Hunt as Rose, with other characters played by Donogh Rees, Dylan Underwood, Jeff Szusterman and Charlotte Heath, with live music performed by Nick Garrett.
Tim says: “This is a mad, mad, show. And the children love it as they know the story so well. As so do the dads and mums that come, as the story was often one of their favourites from childhood.”
Children are encouraged to dress up as their favourite character from the show for the onstage costume parade at the gala and every school holiday season performance.
There is also a half day or full day theatre workshop tailored to the Badjelly the Witch show. Tutors will lead the students in fun drama activities and games, and there is a craft activity if staying for the afternoon. Plus both the half and full day workshop includes a ticket to see Badjelly the Witch and a chance to tour backstage and meet the cast.
Each child will also have a photo opportunity with the cast and crew (to be emailed out) and receive a copy of our official poster, signed by the cast, to take home as a memento.
These school holidays, from Monday 1 – Friday 5 October, children can 'Hit the Stage!' with Tim Bray Productions in a five-day creative escape held at TAPAC, Western Springs. They will each have the opportunity to explore their performance skills, build confidence, and create a unique piece of theatre, ready to ‘Hit the Stage!’ at the end of the week with a free entry performance for family and friends.Badjelly the Witch is on as part of New Zealand Theatre Month in September.
Badjelly the Witch by Spike Milligan at The PumpHouse Theatre dates are:
Gala Opening: 22 September at 5pm
Education Season: 24 – 28 Sept (Tickets from $12, free teachers’ resource guide)
School Holiday Season: 29 Sept – 13 Oct
NZSL interpreted performances: Sat 22 Sept 5pm / Thurs 27 Sept 10.30am
Audio Described performances (with 'Touch Tour') : Sat 22 Sept 4pm / Thurs 25 Sept 12pm
For more info and to book, check out www.timbrayproductions.org.nz
