It seems almost sacrileges to suggest such a thing as a new version of Worzel Gummidge. It was such a beloved children’s programme that to attempt it once again is a risky move. People have such fond memories of Jon Pertwee in the original. I myself recall holidays in Wales and sitting down to watch the episodes on video at my friend’s house. Two things ran through my mind when I watched the trailer before the two part BBC version aired. The first was what an incredible choice Mackenzie Crook was for the part of Gummidge. And the second was what an odd design they had gone for with the titular scarecrow himself.
Any doubts I may have had about the new version were soon vanquished about halfway through the first episode. It is without a doubt one of the best children shows I have watched in a long time. With its unique scarecrow design, handful of changes and topical commentary it brings a lot of fresh and new ideas into play. At the same time there is something inherently old school about the way the whole thing has been put together. Anyone who knows me well knows I am big fan of makeup, puppetry and animatronics. Its not that I don’t like CGI, I just feel that an over reliance on it can leave a film feeling a bit detached or lack physical substance.
There are some special effects used in regards to how Gummidge and the other scarecrows come alive, and in regards to specific birds. But the majority of it is created using makeup and prosthetic. Because the CGI is minimal and used mainly to enhance the whole thing it feels more grounded. It also gives the show a certain retro quality. With their quirky and unusual designs, the scarecrows look like they have just walked off the set of a 1970s and 80s children’s programme. Although a 90s baby, I was raised on a lot of 70s and 80s children’s shows, acquired through the magic of VHS.
As such I have a fondness for children shows of this decade and I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me watching Worzel Gummidge. Watching the main two kids Susan and John running around with Gummidge on their adventures, I really was transported back to my youth. Being a cynical and slightly jaded twenty eight year old I am a tough nut to crack. But this adaptation really did fill me with a sense of wondrous enjoyment. It would definitely have been something I would have loved as a kid and I still loved it as an adult.
Part of its appeal lies in the fact that among other things it is incredibly funny. There are a lot of children shows that are perfectly entertaining but aren’t actually that amusing. Worzel Gummidge on the other hand is full of great comedy moments. The dialogue is excellent with some great instances of wordplay throughout and cases of misinterpretation that are hilarious. There are some cracking supporting performances from Steve Pemberton, Rosie Cavaliero and the legendary Michael Palin. But it is Mackenzie Crook himself who is the real star of the show. He is enchanting as Gummidge with the right mixture of kind hearted, clumsy and at times stubborn.
Crook also wrote and directed the two part series and you really get that sense that it is a project that is close to his heart. It certainly shows. Not only does it capture the essence of the original books but there are also a lot of important underlying messages dotted throughout. Children’s stories are more often than not moral tales and Gummidge continues in that trend. Cleverly though Crook applies that to current and relevant issues.
The big one is what we are doing to the planet. He cleverly explores it in the first episode when the seasons become locked. But it is further explored in the second episode too. It isn’t used all the way throughout so it feels like an advert for fighting climate change. However, its importance and relevance to the story is there and makes for a programme which is as thought provoking as it is entertaining.
There are a few changes with this BBC version. Instead of The Crowman who invented Gummidge in the Pertwee series, this time round it is the Green Man. This decision achieves two things. It links it back to the environmental message, as well as incorporating elements of British folklore. Furthermore, the Green Man is referred to as a hedge cutter by farmer Mr. Braithwaite. This is an aspect that has been taken directly from the original books. What results is a satisfying blend of a character creation, made even better by the fact that he is played by Michael Palin. Could it get any better?
Child actors India Brown and Thierry Wickens give solid performances as the two foster kids Susan and John. They are likeable characters and have that right combination of curious and slightly sardonic. Their dialogue does at times feel a little bit too formulaic and there is the occasional instances of wooden acting. But like old BBC children’s films of the 70s and 80s it sort of adds to the charm. There is that famous five sense of adventure feel to it which again makes it feel nostalgic.
There is a folksy tone to Worzel Gummidge, particularly during the sequences where the brilliant band The Unthanks are used for the soundtrack. But it is not just the music. One particular scene where the scarecrows are making crop circles by dancing around and singing feels very folk inspired. Various elements are combined together to create this tone from the music to the imagery, as well as the connection to the land and folklore. Being a child of a hippy, this sort of thing is my jam.
The scarecrows are admittedly weird looking and although I loved their quirky design, some children may find them a little unnerving. However, the Jon Pertwee version used to freak me out a little bit too but I still immensely enjoyed it. If anything I would argue this version is more kid friendly, as the Pertwee adaptation had a bit of a darker approach. This on the other hand feels more gentle. There are serious moments but there is something undeniably sweet about the story and characters.
A really clever addition is that of the biker gang scarecrows in episode two. The idea of having naughty teenager scarecrows is both hilarious and puts a clever spin on a well established formulae. Better still is how the older scarecrow Earthy Mangold reprimands them, and it is one of the most charming and amusing sections of the whole series.
While the first episode deals with the big scale problem of the seasons locking, the second revolves around a scarecrow competition. If anything the smaller issue works better, as the best children shows work when able to turn something everyday and simple into a grand adventure. By doing this it is easily relatable but also highly imaginative.
BBC’s new version of Worzel Gummidge is a sweet, funny and inventive creation. Mackenzie Crook showcases his talent both in front of and behind the camera, delivering a touching and witty script and an entertaining and inspired performance. The folksy tone and style implemented is one of the show’s strongest features. With its inclusion of the Green Man, addressing of climate change and choice of music there is a real earthy, nature orientated feel to it all.
It is lovely hybrid of a programme, bringing in its own set of ideas and concepts. At the same time it really embraces and captures classic children shows, resulting in a nice sense of familiarity despite it being brand new. Most importantly there is something undeniably charming and enchanting about the whole production and I was totally swept up in its magic.
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