We were one of the lucky family who got to see CBBC's new show The Worst Witch's premiere last Sunday, together with the casts and their family, and we had an amazing time! Not only was the event packed with fun for the kids, the first episode was brilliant, and we can't wait for it to officially show on CBBC in January 2017! Do read on to find out more.
The Worst Witch is based on author Jill Murphy's book series of the same name, which is about a young witch (Mildred Hubble) born with natural magical talent, but didn't come from a witch's family, attending Miss Cackle's Witches' Academy and her life there.
Mildred has good intentions but can be clumpsy and is prone to accidents, hence is considered to be the worst witch in the academy. The deputy headmistress Miss Hardbroom is not pleased with her at all, although the headmistress Miss Cackle is generally understanding.
While being best friends with Maud Spellbody and Enid Nightshade, Ethel Hallow, their high-born and snobbish classmate, couldn't tolerate them.
Cast:
Mildred Hubble: Bella Ramsey
(Game of Thrones Lady of Bear Island Lyanna Mormont)
Miss Cackle: Clare Higgins
(3 times winner of Olivier Award Best Actress, Mrs. Bartlett in Downton Abbey)
Miss Hardbroom: Raquel Cassidy
(Phyllis Baxter in Downton Abbey)
Maud Spellbody: Meibh Campbell
(Voice for Bo in Happy Feet 2)
Enid Nightshade: Tamara Smart
Ethel Hallow: Jenny Richardson
Esmerelda Hallow: Miriam Petche
(Vexed)
Drusilla Paddock: Tallulah Milligan
Felicity: Dagny Rollins
(Matron in The Royal)
Miss Drill: Shauna Shim
(A Thing Called Love, Dogville)
Miss Gullet: Kacey Ainsworth
(National Television Award, British Soap Award and TV Quick and Choice Awards Best Actress, Little Mo in EastEnders)
Miss Tapioca: Zita Sattar
(Anna Paul in Casualty)
Mr. Algernon Rowan-Webb: Philip Martin Brown
(Steve McDonald's therapist in Coronation Street, Tinker, Tailor, Solder, Spy)
Julie Hubble (Mildred's mum): Nicola Stephenson
(Tess Harris in Emmerdale)
You can find out more about the characters and the show on BBC's Media Centre site,.
Premiere:
The premiere was held in Manchester's Town Hall, which we think was the perfect location because the town hall itself has amazing characteristics that fits the description for a magical school. If I heard correctly, The Worst Witch was also filmed in Manchester as well as in Germany.
The activities (especially the Potion and Chanting Class!) made us feel like we were in Miss Cackle's Academy, which is a great way to prepare the children for The Worst Witch's screening.
We went fo Potion Class first, which was our favourite class that afternoon! The set up was very realistic and the kids had to touch slimy things to create their magic potions! To our surprise, CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual was there, teaching the kids how to chant their spell!
We then moved on to Crafts Class, where the kids can make a potion that bubbles, decorate goblets and candle holder that lights in a magical way, as well as get their glitter tattoos. We also caught sight of CBBC presenter Ben Shires!
I'm not sure why Clay poses like an evil wizard throughout the day, it's good that this Witches' Academy isn't that Wizards' school or we all know where he will be housed in! I also think that the kids' need more flying practise in their Flying Class!
We gathered for school dinner after all the lessons, and enjoyed some gruesome looking but delicious tasting food! Their Witches' Fingers (peanut butter mixed with chocolate chunks and minced dried fruits) is my favourite! Abby kept refilling on Garlic Eyeballs with Blood Sauce, while Clay enjoyed his Banana Ghost.
It was then the time for The Worst Witch's screening! I didn't want to spoil it for you, so I didn't take any pictures of the scenes. What I can say is that the first episode captures the audience immediately within the first few minutes, is funny, contains some really good CGI and actions, beautiful settings, and has a few tense moments as well, where you just don't want the episode to finish until it tells you what happens next!
You can however look at the approximately 6 minutes special trailer here.
I know I'll definitely be watching The Worst Witch with the kids this January. I think it is a very well produced show, with good quality CGI actions, and honestly speaking, much more appropriate for the 6 to 12 year-olds to watch. Judging from the first episode, I know that it's not going to be like a children horror that will give the kids nightmares, but has enough excitements with the right amount of impact to keep them on edge.
I have always been impressed with BBC's program choices for children on CBeebies, which has just the right of stimulation but won't over excite the kids. I don't always watch CBBC with them (just the science and history programs because I found them really interesting!), but they certainly did it right with The Worst Witch.
Make sure you stay tuned for The Worst Witch! More information can be found on CBBC's website.
| So chuffed to be in a picture with CBBC presenter Katie! |
