Whizziwig
| Whizziwig | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Children's television series, Science fiction |
| Theme music composer | Barry Francis Fry |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 18 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 18 mins |
| Release | |
| Original network | ITV Network (CITV) |
| Original release | 1998 – 2000 |
Whizziwig was a science fiction children's programme broadcast on CITV between 1998 and 2000 based on the books by award winning children's author Malorie Blackman.[1]
Plot summary
Whizziwig centred on the adventures of a boy called Ben and his best friend Steve who befriended a small pink alien approximately the size of a rugby ball. Whizziwig had the ability to grant wishes to anyone who uttered the words "I wish..", however wishes had to be made for someone else and would last a maximum of 24 hours. A recurring theme was Ben and Steve trying to deceive their friend into granting their intentional wishes only for the alien to become wise to the scheme.
Ben would keep Whizziwig hidden, often smuggling her into school in his school bag. Many hilarious escapades ensued as the wishes made by unaware students in Whizziwigs earshot would be granted.
Critical acclaim
Despite never achieving commercial success many critics hailed the show as groundbreaking in the manner in which it dealt with adult themes such as morality, death, and mereological nihilism, whilst still being accessible to its young audience.
Cast
- Rebecca Nagen - Whizziwig
- Don Austen - Whizziwig Puppeteer
- Louis McKenzie - Ben Sinclair
- Matthew Barker - Steve Fleming
- Joan Oliver - Gina Sinclair
- Brian Bovell - Daniel Sinclair
- Mona Hammond - Auntie Dottie
- Jasmine Ledwaba - Lizzie Sinclair
- Tyler Butterworth - Mr. Archer
- Martin Arrowsmith - Steve "Slippery" Sloper
- Colin Prockter - Mayor
- Andre Mahjouri - Paul
- Ebony Francis - Jennifer
- Catherine Barr - Paula
- David Lloyd - Brian Trump
- Kaefan Shaw and Anthony Asbury - Archie the Parrot
- Glen Kinch - Budgie
- Douglas Fielding - Foreman
- Anna Gilbert - Mrs. Morton
- Yvonne Marlowe - Woman In Park
- Sheila Halse - Woman In Street
- Natasha Lee - Jessica
- Melissa Simpson - Katie
- Sue Cleaver - Inspector Pascal
- Richard Trinder - P.C. Reid
- Anna Winkles - Caitlin