Mackenzie Crook returns in a new episode of his interpretation of Barbara Euphan Todd’s Worzel Gummidge. Crook already has two episodes under his belt which debuted last Christmas- The Scarecrow of Scatterbrook and The Green Man in which he introduced us to a Worzel more faithful to the books than the excellent Jon Pertwee‘s predecessor. Serving ad writer, director, and star, Crook steered clear of the obvious camparisons to Pertwee and instead created a world mythocal folklore that kept within Todd’s original vision.
In this episode Worzel acquires a £20 note (delivered to him by the wind from an old lady called Peg played by Vanessa Redgrave who is more than she seems) and along with Susan (India Brown) and John (Thierry Wickens) sets out to buy a door at the salvage yard. Instead he runs into his old friend Saucy Nancy (Shirley Henderson), a discarded ship figurehead who needs help getting back to the sea, and decides to use his new found wealth to buy her.
Earthy Mangold (Francesca Mills) helps prepare Wozel for his adventure and soon Worzel, Susan, and Tom are off to fetch Saucy Nancy and take her to the seaside but all does not go to plan! Worzel manages to bump into his old friend Abraham Longshanks (voiced by Brian Blessed) along the way and soon they find themselves on the beach with Peg.
Crook previously noted that this year’s special episode would serve as a tribute to the late Barbara Windsor who played the original Saucy Nancy. Windsor had been living with Alzheimer’s, and passed away earlier this month at the age of 83.
Crook’s Worzel maintains his innocence and bewilderment and Henderson as always absorbs the charcter she is playing – her Saucy Nancy sounds a lot more offensive with her language than she actually is thanks to all the made up swear words she spouts! Her run-in with a bus conductor being a highlight.
A special mention also needs to go to Steve Pemberton and Rosie Cavaliero as Mr. and Mrs. Braithwaite – who serve as the backbone of the show and provide some extra warmth as we are let into how their relationship with Susan and John has developed.
Verdict: 7/10. A touching tale that touches on our sense of belonging in the world. Crook’s again opens up the Gummidge world to us and allows us to see yet another small corner of this crazy folklore world that exists right under our noses. A welcome addition to his growing Worzel Gummidge cannon.
The Brand New BBC adventures of Worzel Gummidge. Inspired by the classic books of Barbara Euphan Todd, Worzel Gummidge is the treasured tale of a witty, mischievous scarecrow who mysteriously Read more
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The BBC have released a new trailer for Mackenzie Crook's Worzel Gummidge where siblings Susan and John arrive at Scatterbrook Farm, home of the Braithwaites, to little fanfare. It's been Read more
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The BBC have revealed the first image of Mackenzie Crook as Worzel Gummidge. Crook writes, directs and stars in the revival of the 70s TV favourite which starred the late Read more
British Invaders returns to examining Worzel Gummidge, an ITV children’s series that started in 1979. The scarecrow of the title (played by Jon Pertwee) is brought to life by a mysterious Read more
Mackenzie Crook (The Office, The Detectorists, Pirates of the Caribbean) is writing a new adaption of cult favourite Worzel Gummidge that has been picked up by the BBC. It has Read more
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Founded Cult Faction in 2014. Some would describe him as a teacher, writer, dream weaver, and visionary... some would not...
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