Debuting on Sunday 4 August 1968 in the Heyday Theatre slot, this four-part Sunday teatime children’s adventure series from London Weekend Television starred 15-year old Jack Wild (by this time internationally famous as the Artful Dodger in Lionel Bart’s 1968 musical Oliver!) teamed with young Sally-Ann Jones (three years his junior but the same height) as twins Jack and Molly.
Comedienne Hattie Jacques starred as their Aunt Nancy, a magical lady who led the children off into a world of fun and fantasy.
The series started at the children’s 12th birthday party, presided over by Nancy. Later, when the twins were in bed, Molly had a dream about one of her presents, a pumpkin-shaped pin cushion, which turned into a spooky rolling pumpkin (played by diminutive character actor Norman McGleen).
Molly followed the pumpkin which knocked three times against a tree to reveal an entrance to a magical world where it transpires that the pumpkin is actually an evil wizard or goblin imprisoned in this form.
The rest of the serial was devoted to Molly’s fantasy world, where she and Jack became involved in all sorts of adventures.
Two stars from Please, Sir! appeared in the series; Eric Chitty and Liz Gebhardt.
Aunt Nancy/Lydia Hattie Jacques Jack
Jack Wild Molly
Sally Ann Jones Dad/Admiral
Gordon Rollings Mum/Queen Irene
Maureen O’Reilly Grandad/King
Erik Chitty Aunt Phoebe
Rosamund Greenwood Cliff/Sentry/Watchmaker
Richard O’Callaghan Cissie/Green Girl
Liz Gebhardt Witch
Rosamund Greenwood Grey Pumpkin
Norman McGlen Goblin
Ian Trigger Wilbur
William Shearer
