The Worst Witch

I don't really want to give my opinions on witches themselves, other than that it's ridiculous to form some sort of angry assumption that just because they're witches in a school that they're 'Wiccans'. It's a CHILDREN'S show. Not meant to be taken seriously, just for watching. I liked it when it was on, and think it did pretty well with the characters. If you're looking for a show that kids will enjoy watching (but hopefully won't take seriously and try to find a witch's school to join) then I think you should look into this one. It's funny, and even the girl who plays Mildred fits the part very well. Even though it's not on anymore, it was a pretty good show.

10 years ago when I was a mere 8 years old I was a huge fan of "The Worst Witch" books by Jill Murphy. Then, a decade later I saw that a TV adaptation had been made and so I watched it with interest. And I was very impressed! As well as adapting the stories contained within the first 2 books ("The Worst Witch" and "The Worst Witch Strikes Again") the makers have also created some original stories which are just as good. The cast is excellent! Newcomer Georgina Sherrington was an ideal choice for Mildred Hubble, as were all of the actresses. The makers have also created characters that weren't in the books (such as Jadu Wali and Ruby Cherrytree), and developed characters that are only briefly mentioned in the books (such as Drucilla Paddock) which adds a little extra to the show. I did see the 1986 film starring Fairuza Balk and Tim Curry a long time ago (a decade or more) and from what I can remember it wasn't as good as this TV series. Overall, the cast and crew have done an excellent job and fans of the books both young and old will love it!

As an avid reader, I enjoyed this delightful TV adaption of The Worst Witch! I remember being all excited to get home just so I could watch it! Miss Cackle was one of my faves, as she reminded me of one of my own teachers! There has definitely been some 'modern additions' to it, but it still retains its essence of old British 'charm'! But people should remember that this is based on an old book, intended for young children with vivid imaginations! It does not in anyway portray or is associated with wicca - as some people assume! This book was written way before Wicca became a big concept in modern society! And the producers definitely did not have Wicca in mind while producing it! So don't think that they are wrongly type casting! They just made it to the criteria in this classic book!

I love "The Worst Witch", although I am 17 now, but seeing it now still brings back all those great memories I had with my brother and sisters. I loved the books by Jill Murphy as well, and as far as I am concerned, the show stays true to the books. Cackles Academy is exactly as I imagined it, with tall turrets and what have you. The theme song is lovely, and in a good way, sticks in your head for a long while. The acting, considering it was a TV show, usually part of CITV's programming before they stopped showing it for a while, was great, Georgina Sherrington is a good actress and stays true to the character of Mildred. The other girls are fine too, and Felicity Jones is very nasty as Ethel Hallow. Katy Allen who replaced her isn't quite as good but still gets the essence of the character right. My favourite has to be Kate Duchene as Miss Hardbroom, her interpretation was quite frosty, exactly like Miss Hardbroom should be. The scripting, stories and special effects weren't at all bad either, the writing actually is very funny and well written especially with Miss Hardbroom. I was just wondering whether anybody saw the 1986 TV film version with Fairuza Balk, Diana Rigg and Tim Curry, it wasn't as good as this, and not really a childhood favourite, but I liked it, and I am just wondering if anybody here had seen it and liked it. I give this show 10/10. Bethany Cox

The first time I saw "Worst Witch" was around halloween so I thought it would never be on again, you can just imagine my delight when I found out it was a series! I would HIGHLY suggest to everyone and anyone who might be wary about this children's show to watch it (at least once). You won't regret it (especially if you're like me and enjoy everything British and magical)!