Badjelly the Witch - Kidsfest 2019

Bad Jelly, the baddest witch of in all the world turns 46 this year but has absolutely no intention of hanging up her broomstick anytime soon.

Courtesy of much loved comedian Spike Milligan’s irreverent children’s story, the original stage adaption was lovingly crafted by New Zealand’s very own Alannah O’Sullivan and that script now holds the title of the country’s most licensed play, having been performed all over New Zealand. Indeed, entire generations of Kiwis, have grown up listening to the story still regular played on the radio and seeing it performed live.

Badjelly the Witch encapsulates the humour Spike Milligan became known for: far-fetched stories, bizarre characters, surreal comedy and wordplays as well as silly sound effects.

At its heart, it is a fairy tale in the mode of the classics but pulled into contemporary times, where children remain intrigued by witches & wizards, and who want to laugh at giants with bare bottoms and where the good guys always triumph.

The story follows Rose and Tim, who go into a deep dark forest to look for their lost cow Lucy, and meet a whole range of extremely wonderful if not slightly weird array of helpful characters, such as Binklebonk, the very cute Dinglemouse, Mudwiggle and of course Appletree, The Policeman!, to rescue their beloved Lucy from the clutches of Badjelly the Witch before she is eaten!

This production will also include the catchy music and songs by Geoff Davidson.

John Armstrong, our Director, has bought together a talented cast ensemble, and looks forward to bring this iconic script to life, as part of the Christchurch City Council annual KidsFest July holiday programme.

For the first time, Riccarton Players will also be offering two ‘Relaxed Performances’ on Wednesday 10th and 17th July at 7pm.

A relaxed performance is a special performance of a show designed to welcome those who will benefit from a more relaxed performance environment, including people with an Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and communication disorders or a learning difficulty.

This means that there will be a relaxed attitude to noise and movement during the performance, and some changes will be made to limit the light and sound effects.

The theatre will have limited seating capacity so patrons will be able to move around more easily and we will be providing two chill-out areas outside the theatre with activities that can be used at anytime during the performance. A resource / social story pack will be emailed to those booking for these specific shows prior to attending. All ages welcome.

Don’t delay, bookings are now open for all shows and we look forward to bringing you this fabulously funny show for the July School holidays, which is suitable for the whole family.

The Badjelly Team, Riccarton Players Inc.