Riddlers, The

1 9 8 9 – 1 9 9 8 (UK)
15 minute episodes

Marjorie Dawe (Victoria Williams) had two little folk living in her garden in this preschool children’s series from Yorkshire Television.

Shortly after moving into Riddleton End, a small cottage in the countryside, Marjorie discovered to her delight, two magical little folk living in the well in her garden.

Mossop (a boy with a northern accent), was the “Riddler”, and flame-haired Tiddlup (a girl with a home counties accent) was the “Tiddler” (an apprentice Riddler). The pair found human ways very confusing but delighted in “riddling things out” to learn how things worked.

The neighbour was Mr Grimley (Peter Llewellyn Jones). Other visitors to the garden at Riddleton End included Filbert the squirrel, Simon the cat and Postie the postman.

Tiddlup eventually became a Riddler herself, with a new character called Middler (a slightly dozy young boy with a West Country accent) introduced as her “Tiddler”.

The puppets were by Richard Robinson and Mike Gallant, who also voiced the Riddlers. Robinson also provided the illustrations for the story section of each episode. The theme music was composed by Neil Innes.

Mossop/Middler
Richard Robinson
Tiddlup
Mike Gallant
Marjorie Dawe
Victoria Williams
Mr Grimley
Peter Llewellyn Jones

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