"Down in the woods, where nobody sees, there’s a light dancing and that light is me!" This is the familiar introductory words from Willo the Wisp, the central character at the heart of this classic 1980’s animation series. Each story is based around characters found living in Doyley Woods. Alongside Willo, there is Mavis Cruet, the fairy, whose magic doesn’t always work; Arthur, the intelligent caterpillar; Evil Edna, the witch who has been turned into a television set; Carwash the cat; The Moog, a dog with very little brain; Twit, a bird and the Beast, who was a Prince before he was changed by Evil Edna...

Willo the Wisp: The Complete Collection collects all 26 original episodes from the first series narrated by the legendary British comedy actor Kenneth Williams. Also included is the second series of 26 episodes produced in 2005, featuring James Dreyfus as the narrator.

The first series was written, directed and produced by Nick Spargo. Spargo had created an animated educational film called Super Natural Gas in 1975 for British Gas. The film explained what natural gas was and how it was brought ashore through a character named Willo who was a wisp of methane gas voiced by Williams. This short film (included in the extras of this release) was the inspiration for the first series (the second series was coproduced by animator-illustrator Bobbie Spargo, daughter of Nick Spargo).

Back in 1982 each episode of the show averaged 8.2 million viewers, a huge audience for a children's programme.

Extras: Super Natural Gas, the very first animation featuring Willo the Wisp produced for British Gas by Nicholas Spargo.

I was a little shocked at the RRP of £60 for 2 discs. While it's a wonderfully entertaining show for adults to get nostalgic about, it also still holds up for younger viewers. Part of the show's original charm was the late, great Kenneth Williams' narration. Williams was originally surprised by the success of the show, saying: "When I was walking down Bolsover St some men were digging in the road and they cried out 'Here's old Willo The Wisp!' as I came along and shouted 'Hallo Kenny!' I'd never have thought navvies would watch 'Willo'! It's extraordinary the audience television attracts".

It's still a great show and holds up to repeat viewing. Whilst Williams' narration is what really elevates the show to classic, I was surprised to discover that the episodes narrated by Dreyfus (which had completly passed me by on their original release) are just as entertaining.

8

Nick Smithson