The Worst Witch

🎃 It’s 1986, and one student at a magical boarding school is struggling to fit in while having to deal with a hard-nosed potions teacher and bullying from a golden child whose father will hear about this, but finds comfort in broom flying and encouragement from the kindly old headmaster.  

No, not that one.  

Before Harry Potter, there was “The Worst Witch,” which was adapted into a TV Halloween special starring a young Fairuza Balk, Dianna Rigg, Charlotte Rae in a dual role, and Tim Curry in the trippiest ’80s music video.  

****  

Becca Petunia (ToughPigs.com, Hubba-Wha?!)  

Lindy Kempe (@ieatvideogames.bsky.social)  

****  

1. Watch “The Worst Witch” on the Internet Archive.  

2. Find “The Worst Witch” book at your local library.  

2. St. Michael’s College is for sale.  

3. Pam Jones (Donna) — formerly Kate Buckley before another actress took that name while she was on hiatus — is now a ceramic artist.  

4. The kitten ceremony background music sounds kind of like Zelda’s Lullaby.  

5. Mildred and Ethel’s rivalry gave us “Owl House” vibes.  

6. Toonces the Driving Cat.  

7. One student is a future Teletubby!  

8. Becca on Movin’ Right Along discussing Tim Curry singing in “Muppet Treasure Island.”  

9. Both Tim Curry and Sebastian from “The Little Mermaid” sing “begin the Beguine.”  

10. Tim Curry in “Red Alert 3.”  

11. Other “Worst Witch” TV adaptations, including a college spinoff and a Netflix series.  

****  

Carvel Halloween Ice Cream Cakes Commercial (1986)  

Hyrule Podcasters, an audio “Let’s Play” through The Legend of Zelda.  

****  

“The Worst Witch” © 1986 Central Independent Television Plc.  

Theme song by Bronwen’s Ghost.  
Full show notes and social links at adventcalendar.house.