Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones reunite for Worzel Gummidge
Mackenzie Crook will reunite with fellow Detectorists’ star Toby Jones in a new episode of his critically acclaimed adaptation of Worzel Gummidge. To be screened on BBC One later this year, Mackenzie has created three new one-hour films: Guy Forks, Twitchers, and Calliope Jane - inspired by the classic books by Barbara Euphan Todd, in which he will once again direct and star.
Toby Jones plays all six roles of The Village Committee in the Guy Forks episode: the Baker, Butcher, Mayor, Postmaster, Publican and Alderman, alongside Paul Kaye (After Life) who plays Guy Forks. Comedian and reigning Strictly champion Bill Bailey (Black Books) co-stars as Mr Peregrine in Calliope Jane, together with Nneka Okoye as Calliope Jane.
Rejoining Mackenzie as Worzel Gummidge for these new adventures are Steve Pemberton as Mr Braithwaite, Rosie Cavaliero as Mrs Braithwaite, Vicki Pepperdine as Aunt Sally, India Brown as Susan and Thierry Wickens as John.
Mackenzie Crook says: “I’m thrilled to bring three new episodes of Worzel Gummidge to audiences this year and to announce the quite brilliant cast. We had a happy summer making these films and I hope some of that comes across on screen.”
Here’s the synopsis of the episodes:
Guy Forks
It’s the build-up to bonfire night and a new face has arrived in Scatterbrook. Worzel’s cousin, Guy Forks, has taken his rightful place at the top of the bonfire, but an argument between the old friends leads to a competition to prove who can do the other’s job better.
Twitchers
After a raging thunderstorm, a flock of rare choughs turn up at Scatterbrook Farm. Keen to seize the opportunity of scaring such a rarely sighted bird, Worzel enlists the help of Susan and John. But their plans are soon scuppered once word of the choughs gets around, and a group of avid twitchers move in before he’s even had his chance.
Calliope Jane
Susan and John are excited when they learn that F R Peregrine’s Travelling Fair is coming to Scatterbrook for one night only. But as much as he’d love to join his friends, Worzel can’t be seen wandering around by humans.