Based on a series of children’s stories by Joan Aitken, this BBC puppet series premiered in November 1993
One stormy night, cab driver Mr Jones (Richard Coombs) brought home a big black raven after finding it injured on the road. His 4-year-old daughter Arabel (Gillie Robic) called it Mortimer and refused to be parted from it, even though it caused havoc in the house. Mortimer squawked, “Nevermore!” when he was upset.
The trouble-making raven also created chaos for the neighbours, Mr Coughtrack, Mr and Mrs Hamstring, and grumpy old Mr Leggitt, who had a pet pigeon called Pianono and two accomplices called Bill and Joe.
Members of Arabel’s family included her mother, Martha Jones (Marie Phillips); Ebenezer’s Mum, Granny Jones (who had a pet cat called Augustus); and Ebenezer’s evil cousin Perce Jones. The Jones family lived at 6 Rainwater Crescent in Rumbury Town, London NW3½.
Arabel’s babysitter was Chris Cross (Peter Forbes), who was fond of Mortimer.
Mr Sterrett (Francis Wright) was the manager at Mallards’ Bank, where he was assisted by Miss Gracie. The bank was cleaned by Mrs Catchpenny (and haunted by a ghost named Sir Humphrey Burbage).
Other characters included Mayor Saddlejoy (Ronnie Le Drew) and his wife; the Town Hall secretary Doreen; Sergeant Cutlink (who later became Mayor); PC Barnoff; a Scottish odd-job woman named Flo (known as “Have-A-Go Flo” and “In-The-Know Flo” by Mr Leggitt’s accomplices and “Odd-Job Flo” by Ebenezer); an Indian singer named Seleena; a Greek Professor from the island of Pollyargos; an American millionaire named Mr Bonny; the Duchess of Skew; a farmer named Mr Westropp, and a herd of Jersey cows named Daisy, Lazy and Maisie.
Mortimer
Michael Bayliss Arabel Jones
Gillie Robic Mr Ebeneezer Jones
Richard Coombs Mrs Martha Jones
Marie Phillips Chris Cross
Peter Forbes Mr Sterrett
Francis Wright Mayor Saddlejoy
Ronnie Le Drew
The trouble-making raven also created chaos for the neighbours, Mr Coughtrack, Mr and Mrs Hamstring, and grumpy old Mr Leggitt, who had a pet pigeon called Pianono and two accomplices called Bill and Joe.
Other characters included Mayor Saddlejoy (Ronnie Le Drew) and his wife; the Town Hall secretary Doreen; Sergeant Cutlink (who later became Mayor); PC Barnoff; a Scottish odd-job woman named Flo (known as “Have-A-Go Flo” and “In-The-Know Flo” by Mr Leggitt’s accomplices and “Odd-Job Flo” by Ebenezer); an Indian singer named Seleena; a Greek Professor from the island of Pollyargos; an American millionaire named Mr Bonny; the Duchess of Skew; a farmer named Mr Westropp, and a herd of Jersey cows named Daisy, Lazy and Maisie.
