''Grotbags'' is a children's television programme which ran for three series between 1991 and 1993 about a fictional

witch Witchcraft traditionally means the use of magic or supernatural powers to harm others. A practitioner is a witch. In medieval and early modern Europe, where the term originated, accused witches were usually women who were believed to have us ...

named Grotbags, a spin-off of multiple earlier

Rod Hull Rod, Ror, Ród, Rőd, Rød, Röd, ROD, or R.O.D. may refer to: Devices * Birch rod, made out of twigs from birch or other trees for corporal punishment * Ceremonial rod, used to indicate a position of authority * Connecting rod, main, coupling ...

and Emu shows. Very much in the mould of the traditional

pantomime Pantomime (; informally panto) is a type of musical comedy stage production designed for family entertainment. It was developed in England and is performed throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland and (to a lesser extent) in other English-speaking ...

villain, Grotbags was played by actress, singer and comedian Carol Lee Scott in a costume comprising vivid green make-up and wig and a witch's cape and hat. Each episode co-starred Francis Wright and Richard Coombs in multiple puppet roles.

Premise

The character Grotbags originally appeared in the

television show ''

Emu's World Emu is a British television puppet, modelled on the Australian flightless emu bird and operated by the performer Rod Hull. After appearing on a number of variety shows, he was given his own television series on the BBC, then on ITV. Cast ...

'' in 1982 and she remained the principal antagonist throughout the rest of the decade in the programme's various other incarnations (''

Emu's All Live Pink Windmill Show Emu is a British television puppet, modelled on the Australian flightless emu bird and operated by the performer Rod Hull. After appearing on a number of variety shows, he was given his own television series on the BBC, then on ITV. Cast ...

'', ''Emu's Wide World'', and 1989's ''EMU-TV''), plus the subsequent animated series ''Rod 'n' Emu''. In 1991,

Central Independent Television ITV Central, previously known as Central Independent Television, Carlton Central, ITV1 for Central England and commonly referred to as simply Central, is the Independent Television franchisee for the Midlands. It was created following the rest ...

awarded Grotbags her own solo spin-off, which was created by Carol Lee Scott and puppeteer Richard Coombs, written by Bob Hescott, and directed by Colin Clews. A total of 29 episodes were made, with each revolving around Grotbags and her minions at Gloomy Fortress and their day-to-day lives.

Principal characters

* Grotbags: self-styled "Bestest witch in the whole wide world" * Colin the Bat: a stupid bat who cannot fly very well * Doris the Dodo: the last dodo, rescued by Grotbags from a desert island * Norman Nettle: a grumpy nettle plant * Grumble: Grotbags's cauldron * Lumpy: a mass of left-over spells who lives in Grumble

Transmission guide

* Series 1: 13 editions from 4 September 1991 – 18 December 1991 * Series 2: 10 editions from 9 September 1992 – 11 November 1992 * Series 3: 6 editions from 6 January 1993 – 10 February 1993

References

{{Reflist

External links

Grotbags Official Website

''Grotbags''
at

Internet Movie Database IMDb (an abbreviation of Internet Movie Database) is an online database of information related to films, television series, home videos, video games, and streaming content online – including cast, production crew and personal biographies, ...

Carol Lee Scott (Grotbags) Official Myspace
1991 British television series debuts 1993 British television series endings 1990s British children's television series British children's fantasy television series British television shows featuring puppetry British television spin-offs English-language television shows ITV children's television shows Television series about witchcraft Television series by ITV Studios Television shows produced by Central Independent Television