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Small Time – The List 

AUTHOR: Malcolm Batchelor

ADVENTURES OF BOOTY MOLE

Written and created by Joan Reed and Jane Johnson.

Animated by Elizabeth Shingler, Anne Newell and Hal Danby.

First Transmitted December 1960.

ADVENTURES OF PLONK

The adventures of the little grey goose.

Written and told by Jean Ford. Drawn by Neville Wortman.

Music by Andrew Fenner.

First Transmitted 15th September, 1958.

ADVENTURES OF TUM

Illustrated and told by Patrick Boyle. Written by Dorothy Kate Ramsden.

Music by Andrew Fenner.

First Transmitted 16th October, 1959.

ADVENTURES OF TWIZZLE

Written and produced by Roberta Leigh.

Music by Leslie Clare.

Directed by Gerry Anderson.

First Transmitted 13th November 1957.

52 x b/w 15min episodes.

Twizzle is a lost boy doll who lives in a place called Straytown with all the other lost or unwanted toys including his friends Footso, the black cat, Candy Floss, Jack-in-the-box and Jiffy the broomstick man. They are looked after by the Toy Inspector. Twizzle has the strange ability to be able to stretch his arms and legs to incredible lengths.

ALEXANDER THE MOUSE

Written and told by Oliver Postgate.

Illustrated by Peter Firmin.

First Transmitted 14th April, 1958.

ALL AT SEA

The nautical adventures of Captain Ruff and his ready crew.

Written and performed by Howard Williams and Ivan Owen.

Editor Virginia Tabb.

First Transmitted November 1965.

AMANDA AND THE MAGIC GLADE

The story of a Christmas fairy doll.

Read by Lisel Beaumont.

Written by Mary Plumbly.

Drawn by Neville Wortman.

Music played by Andrew Fenner.

First Transmitted 12th December, 1958.

ANGELA

The stories of a little girl called Angela who has many exciting adventures.

Script by Shelagh Prior.

A Hodson-Lee Production.

First Transmitted 7th August, 1958.

ANIMAL LAND

Muriel Young takes you into the land of a little animal and tells some stories about it.

Written by Grahame Dangerfield.

First Transmitted February 1962.

ANNE’S GARDEN

Anne Melville talks about the birds and animals and flowers in her garden.

Written by Mary Plumbly. Pictures by Grahame Dangerfield.

First Transmitted May 1963.

AROUND THE WORLD

Jackie and Gillian Moran take younger viewers to an exciting country each week.

Illustrated by Peter Firmin.

First Transmitted 18th September, 1958.

BARBARA & THE UNKELOPE

Barbara Brown has never seen an unkelope, but still expects one for tea and wonders what he’ll be like!

Music by Sam Fonteyn.

First Transmitted June 1963.

THE BEECHWOOD TALES

Introducing Dozy the doormouse and Bright Eyes the baby squirrel.

Narrated by Janet Nicholls.

Drawn and animated by Neville Wortman.

Written by E. Paine.

First Transmitted 23rd April, 1959.

BEST OF TUM

Illustrated and told by Patrick Boyle. Written by Dorothy Kate Ramsden.

Music by Andrew Fenner.

First Transmitted November 1964.

THE BIG BLACK CRAYON

Rolf Harris and Jean Ford in a programme of stories and pictures. The young audience are invited to help Rolf Harris in drawing pictures with their Big Black Crayon. Jean Ford tells her own story.

First Transmitted 26th September, 1955.

BOTTLE

The dog with the nose for crime.

Narrated by Meg Trace. Story and music by Hubert Pattison. Editor Jenny Wilkes.

First Transmitted May 1966.

BROCK & BRUIN

Story written and introduced by Janet Nicholls.

Voices by Peter Hawkins and Ivan Owen.

Puppets animated by Elizabeth Shingler and Jane Tyson.

First Transmitted 19th January 1959

CHIPPY

Written and devised by Peter Hayes.

Voices by Roy Skelton and Jill Raymond.

Music by Bert Weedon.

First Transmitted February 1961.

CHRISTMAS STORY

In pictures and music. Told by Jean Ford with special illustrations by Alfred Wurmser.

A One-Off Programme Transmitted on Tuesday, 20th December, 1955.

CHRISTMAS PARTY

All the Small Timers meet. Rolf with Oliver. Susan Spear will bring Doodle, Quizzy and Billy Boots. Snoozy will come with Dorothy Smith. Paul Hansard will bring Johnny & Flonny and a special invitation given to Jean Ford.

A One-Off Programme Transmitted on Friday, 23rd December, 1955.

CLARA THE LITTLE RED CAR

Told by Jean Ford.

Animation by Alfred Wurmser.

Produced by Pat Baker.

First Transmitted 27th December, 1955.

COLONEL CROCK

Muriel Young introduces Much Winding’s favourite motor car.

Devised by Edward Andrews.

First Transmitted 7th July, 1959.

COME OUT TO PLAY

With Jackie and Gillian Moran.

Illustrated by John Glasham.

First Transmitted 18th September, 1957.

DOG WATCH

Children are invited to the Grimbles Lighthouse to meet senior keeper Oliver and his mate Fred Barker.

Devised and presented by Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin.

First Transmitted January 1961.

THE DRAWING MACHINE

By David Myers.

John Ridley as Professor Buckle uses his wonderful new invention to help him tell a story.

First Transmitted May 1964.

THE ENCHANTED HOUSE

From 10th December, 1957 Pamela Russell tells the story.

From 18th April, 1958 Lisel Beaumont tells the story.

Nellyphant the elephant and her two friends introduce viewers to more animals.

Drawn by Neville Wortman.

Written by Mary Plumby.

First Transmitted 10th December, 1957.

FIRESIDE STORY

June Thorburn tells a story she has written especially for you.

First Transmitted February 1963.

FOLLI THE FOAL

By Mary Plumbly.

A baby horse goes in search of some wings. His legs are so long he falls over them, so he thinks it would be better to fly.

Read by Lisel Beaumont.

Drawn by Neville Wortman.

First Transmitted 19th September, 1958.

FRISKIMO

By Margaret Cornell.

Illustrated and narrated by Muriel Young.

Music by Andrew Fenner.

First Transmitted 31st December, 1959.

FUNNYWAYS FARM

Told by Gwynne Price who also wrote the stories and drew the pictures.

Music by Andrew Fenner.

First Transmitted February 1963.

GEORGE THE DRAGON

Adventures of the nicest dragon in the world.

Written and told by Meg Trace. Illustrated by Tony Hart. Music by Andrew Fenner.

First Transmitted October 1965.

HANDS AND FEET

Including Musical Alphabet by Eric Spear and Billy Boots

Introduced by Susan Spear.

Produced by Pat Baker.

First Transmitted 24th February, 1956.

HANK

With Francis Coudrill, in a cartoon adventure from the wild and woolly west.

First Transmitted 16th June, 1959.

HUFF PUFF JUNCTION

Or how not to run a railway!

Written and performed by Howard Williams and Ivan Owen.

First Transmitted November 1964.

IVOR THE ENGINE

Told by Olwen Griffiths, David Edwards and Oliver Postgate.

Pictures by Peter Firmin. Music by Vernon Elliott.

Written and produced by Oliver Postgate.

First Transmitted 28th December 1959.

32 x b/w 10 min episodes.

Created by Oliver Postgate and Peter Fimin, this is the story of Ivor, the little Welsh railway engine from the Merioneth and Llantisilly Rail Traction Company Limited. Ivor was fired by Idris the dragon who lived in Ivor’s boiler. The engine driver was Jones the Steam and the stationmaster was Dai Station. Ivor’s great ambition was to sing in the choir like Evans the Song!

JANIE’S TOYS

Told by Jean Ford.

Janie is a little girl who has lots of toys and every night before she goes to bed she puts them away in her toy cupboard. But as soon as Janie is asleep the toys wake up and have all sorts of adventures.

Animation Alfred Wurmser.

Produced by Pat Baker.

First Transmitted 17th January, 1956.

JEMIMA

Jean Ford and Jemima have some fun with magic words.

Devised and written by Jean Ford.

Animated by Barbara Alexander.

First Transmitted October 1960.

JOHNNY AND FLONNY

With Paul Hansard.

A weekly serial telling the adventures of Johnny, a little glove puppet created by Paul Hansard and Johnny’s little rabbit pal Flonny. Johnny gets up to all the pranks and mischief indulged in by most human little boys.

Music by Ernest Kaye.

Written by Geoffrey Hubbard.

Produced by Pat Baker.

First Transmitted 23rd September, 1955.

The first ever Small Time programme.

THE JOURNEY OF MASTER HO (The Willow Pattern Boy)

By Oliver Postgate.

Drawn by Peter Thompson.

Produced by Penny Wootton.

First Transmitted 16th September, 1958.

KANDY

A puppet series for young children introducing Kandy and his friends Happity, the Bunny Babes, Flying Phil and many others.

Introduced by Jane Elliot Hayes.

Script by David White.

Puppets by Peter Elliot Hayes.

First Transmitted 2nd November, 1959.

KUFF

The adventures of a koala bear.

Storyteller Meg Trace.

Written by Marc Karlin.

Drawn by Patricia Jones and Anselm Devoold.

Programme Editor Jenny Wilkes.

First Transmitted August 1966.

LET’S MAKE A PARTY

Created by Jean Ford and presented by Jane Enshawe, with Jimmy Scott and Pippy The Telephant.

Programme Editor Virginia Tabb.

A One-Off Programme Transmitted on Thursday, 23rd December, 1965.

LET’S MAKE A STORY

Created by Jean Ford and presented by Jane Enshawe.

Programme Editor Virginia Tabb.

First Transmitted July 1965.

THE LITTLE HOUSE THAT STOOD ON THE HILL

Told by Jean Ford.

Produced by Pat Baker.

First Transmitted 8th November, 1955.

LITTLE ROCKY

The rocket who was afraid of heights.

Read by Muriel Young.

Written by Steve Roseberry.

Drawn by Neville Wortman.

Music played by Andrew Fenner.

First Transmitted 8th December, 1958.

Muriel Young’s Small Time debut.

THE LOST INVITATION

Small Time visits the wood where Brock & Bruin and their friends live to see how they are going to spend Christmas.

Written and introduced by Janet Nicholls.

Voices by Peter Hawkins and Ivan Owen.

Puppets by Elizabeth Shingler and Anne Newell.

A One-Off Programme Transmitted on Monday, 21st December, 1959.

THE MAGIC DOLLS HOUSE

Puppet series.

Written and introduced by Gladys Whitred.

Script by Gladys Whitred and Molly Gibson.

Puppets animated by Molly Gibson and Audrey Atterbury.

Designed by John Emery.

First Transmitted 4th May, 1959.

MAGIC PAINT BOX

John Mills and Whiffles have fun with paint and things.

First Transmitted March 1963.

THE MILLER’S TALE

The adventures of sammy the sea trout and his friends the millpond animals.

Read by David Edwards and Olwen Griffiths.

Animated drawings by Peter Firmin.

Script by Robert Bolt.

First Transmitted 22nd January, 1959.

MR. HAPPY & TOBY AND TINA

A Story with illustrations read by Alan Freeman.

Drawn by Gordon Langmaid.

Written by Mary Plumbly.

First Transmitted 30th September, 1957.

MR. HAPPY & TRIXIE

Mr. Happy and Monday’s Child Trixie who is up to all tricks with her friends, Eric Spear and Chenerai.

First Transmitted 16th September, 1957.

THE MUSICAL BOX

Open The Musical Box to hear songs and stories where traditional nursery rhymes are brought to life.

Drawings by Peter Firmin.

Programme editor Jenny Wilkes.

First Transmitted Thursday, 11th December 1958.

From 11th December, 1958 told by Jill Adamson.

In later weeks told by Jackie Moran, Joan Manning, Isla Cameron, Michael Garson.

From 21st April, 1959 told by Rolf Harris.

From 12th August, 1959 songs and stories with Wally Whyton and Peter Firmin.

From 30th March, 1960 Joe Crow and Simon Scarecrow joined Wally Whyton.

Wally Whyton would talk to Pussy Cat Willum, later joined by Ollie Beak and Fred Barker.

At the end of “The Musical Box” each week the A-B-C closing song was sung by Wally Whyton:

“A-B-C-D-E Goodbye from Willum and me.

F-G-H-I-J We’ll see you another day.

K-L-M-N-O It’s time for us to go.

P-Q-R-S-T And the Cat went fiddle-I-dee, fiddle-I-dee, fiddle-I-dee…..”

MUSIC FAIRY

Sheila Mossman tells some stories and sings some songs while the Music Fairy dances. Murky tries to help.

Puppeteers Anne Newell and Fiona Chapman.

First Transmitted November 1961.

MUSKIT & DIDO

The story of two friends

Written and performed by Ivan Owen and Peter Firmin.

First Transmitted September 1963.

OAKTREE KITCHEN

Hetty Houseproud is in the Oaktree Kitchen.

Written by Edwina Coven. Adapted by Janet Nicholls.

First Transmitted March 1960.

OLIVER POLIP – The Octopus

With Rolf Harris close at hand.

Devised and written by John Myers.

First Transmitted 19th September, 1957.

OLLIE’S FOLLIES

A junior variety show.

Ollie Beak with Muriel Young and Redvers Kyle.

First Transmitted May 1961.

PETER RABBIT STORIES

By Beatrix Potter.

Told by Oliver Postgate.

First Transmitted March 1962.

PETER’S PLAYMATES

Muriel Young introduces the story of some of Peter’s rather unusual animal friends.

Illustrated by Graheme Dangerfield.

First Transmitted 23rd July, 1959.

PET’S CORNER

Illustrated and told by Muriel Young who shows some of her pets.

First Transmitted June 1960.

PICTURE THE WORD

Tikki the toucan tells you about things.

Created and devised by Roberta Leigh.

First Transmitted September 1965.

THE PINGWINGS

Written and directed by Oliver Postgate.

Told by Olwen Griffiths and Oliver Postgate. Music by Vernon Elliott.

First Transmitted February 1961.

PIPPY’S PARTY

With Larry Parker, Jimmy Scott and Pippy The Telephant.

Editor Jenny Wilkes. Music by Andrew Fenner.

First Transmitted April 1966.

PLANS FOR A PARTY

Muriel Young gets ready for Christmas with Ollie Beak and Pussy Cat Willum.

Animations by Elizabeth Shingler, Anne Newell and Hal Danby.

Voices by Peter Hawkins, Ivan Owen and Edwina Coven.

First Transmitted December 1960.

PLONK

The adventures of the little grey goose.

Written and told by Jean Ford. Drawn by Neville Wortman.

Music by Andrew Fenner.

First Transmitted 15th September, 1958.

RABBIT ROW

By Janet Nicholls. Josephine played by Janet Nicholls.

Voices by Peter Hawkins and Ivan Owen.

First Transmitted March 1961.

ROLF HARRIS WITH OLIVER POLIP THE OCTOPUS

Rolf draws some more pictures about Oliver’s adventures, interrupted by Oliver himself.

Produced by Pat Baker.

First Transmitted 21st November, 1955.

SARA & HOPPITY

By Roberta Leigh.

Directed by Frank Goulding. Produced by Roberta Leigh and Arthur Provio.

First Transmitted 27th February, 1962.

52 x b/w 15 min episodes.

THE SHOWBOAT CHILDREN

Sally and Benedict live aboard a Showboat called the River Queen. Follow their adventures as the boat sails down America’s mighty Mississippi river.

Read by Rita Stevens.

Animated Drawings by Peter Firmin.

Written by Penny Wootton.

First Transmitted 28th October, 1958.

THE SILLY BILLIES

Talk to Jane Hayes about things in the country.

Written by Peter Hayes. Voices by Roy Skelton.

First Transmitted August 1962.

SING A SONG

Jean Ramsay sings some songs and Peter Firmin shows how to make some models.

First Transmitted March 1962.

SKETCH BOOK

Muriel Young invites young viewers to meet Joan, Angelica and Jeremy the cat.

Sketches and script by Muriel Young.

First Transmitted 13th March, 1959.

SNOOZY THE SEA-LION

With Dorothy Smith.

Devised by Woolf Goldberg and Dorothy Smith.

Drawings by Woolf Goldberg.

Produced by Pat Baker.

First Transmitted 10th November, 1955.

SQUIFFY & VIC

Two small red squirrels and their adventures in Oak Apple Valley.

Illustrated and told by Patrick Boyle. Written by Dorothy Kate Ramsden.

Programme Editor Jenny Wilkes.

First Transmitted July 1966.

STORIES FROM OTHER LANDS

Told by Inn De La Haye.

First Transmitted April 1960.

STORIES WITH HANDS

Told by Chin Yu assisted by David Williams.

First Transmitted January 1961.

STORIES WITH PICTURES

An amusing time with Rolf Harris and Jean Ford, who tell stories and illustrate them as they go along.

First Transmitted 24th October, 1955.

STORY BOOK

Oliver Postgate (1960)

Muriel Young (1961/1962/1963)

Barbara Brown (1964)

The presenter reads a favourite fairy story and shows you the pictures.

First Transmitted October 1960.

SUSIE & HUG

Written and presented by Jean Ford. Helped by Pan Wade.

First Transmitted June 1961.

SUSIE & HUG’S STORY BOOK

Written and presented by Jean Ford. Helped by Pan Wade.

Pictures by Kathleen Corbett.

First Transmitted July 1962.

TABITHA (& FAMILY)

Muriel Young tells some stories about Tabitha, Pretty Paws and Big Feet.

Puppeteer Christopher Griffin.

First Transmitted April 1960.

TALES OF HIGGLY-PIGGLY FARM

Told by Pamela Russell.

Drawn by Neville Wortman.

Written by Olive Dehn.

First Transmitted 17th September, 1957.

TALES OF OAKTREE KITCHEN

Hetty Houseproud is in the Oaktree Kitchen.

Written by Edwina Coven. Adapted by Janet Nicholls.

First Transmitted March 1960.

THEODORE

The bashful rabbit, with Larry Parker.

First Transmitted 1st November, 1957.

THE THREE SCAMPIS

The story of Bert Scampi and his animals Spikey and Basil.

Written and performed by Howard Williams, Wally Whyton and Ivan Owen.

First Transmitted September 1962.

Bert Scampi was voiced by Howard Williams, Spikey known as Spike Mc.Pike was voiced by Wally Whyton and Basil being Basil Brush was voiced by Ivan Owen.

TOBY AND TINA

A Story with illustrations read by Alan Freeman.

Drawn by Gordon Langmaid.

Written by Mary Plumbly.

First Transmitted 30th September, 1957.

TORCHY

Written and produced by Roberta Leigh.

Directed by Gerry Anderson.

First Transmitted 23rd February, 1960.

26 x b/w 15 min episodes.

Torchy, a clockwork toy with a battery-powered light on his hat, travels in his space rocket to and from Topsy-Turvy Land, where all the neglected and mistreated toys live and come alive to join in his adventures. Other characters included Mr Bumble-Drop, King Dithers, Bossy Boots, Pom Pom, Flopsy, Pilliwig Sparky, Squish and Pongo.

TOYBOX

Doodle Bird. The gay adventures of a novel toy duck made from seven pieces of yellow wood which can be assembled in 57 different ways.

Billy Boots. A play in which all the charactors are portrayed by pairs of boots and shoes (carved from wood). The principal character Billy Boots is a pair of boy’s shoes.

Introduced by Susan Spear and devised by Eric Spear.

First Transmitted 28th September, 1955.

THE TRAVELS OF GORKI THE STRAW GOAT

Written and introduced by Janet Nicholls.

First Transmitted 12th March, 1959.

TRIXIE

Mr. Happy and Monday’s Child Trixie who is up to all tricks with her friends, Eric Spear and Chenerai.

First Transmitted 16th September, 1957.

TUFTY

Muriel Young tells a story about Tufty the squirrel.

Written by Peter Hayes from a story by Elsie Mills.

First Transmitted January 1962.

TUM

Illustrated and told by Patrick Boyle. Written by Dorothy Kate Ramsden.

Music by Andrew Fenner.

First Transmitted 16th October, 1959.

TUM AT HIGGY’S COVE

Illustrated and told by Patrick Boyle. Written by Dorothy Kate Ramsden.

Music by Andrew Fenner.

First Transmitted July 1962.

TUM AT HOME

Illustrated and told by Patrick Boyle. Written by Dorothy Kate Ramsden.

Music by Andrew Fenner.

First Transmitted February 1962.

TUM AT TROTTON GALLOP

Illustrated and told by Patrick Boyle. Written by Dorothy Kate Ramsden.

Music by Andrew Fenner.

First Transmitted February 1963.

TWIZZLE

Written and produced by Roberta Leigh.

Music by Leslie Clare.

Directed by Gerry Anderson.

First Transmitted 13th November 1957.

52 x b/w 15min episodes.

Twizzle is a lost boy doll who lives in a place called Straytown with all the other lost or unwanted toys including his friends Footso, the black cat, Candy Floss, Jack-in-the-box and Jiffy the broomstick man. They are looked after by the Toy Inspector. Twizzle has the strange ability to be able to stretch his arms and legs to incredible lengths.

TWO AT SEA

Albert and Ricky go to the seaside for a holiday.

Written and performed by Howard Williams and Ivan Owen.

First Transmitted July 1964.

TWO IN A TENT

More fun for Albert and Ricky when they decide to camp out.

Written and performed by Howard Williams and Ivan Owen.

First Transmitted October 1964.

TWO IN TROUBLE

Albert and Ricky do their best at school but generally land in trouble.

Written and performed by Howard Williams and Ivan Owen.

First Transmitted August 1964.

TWO IN TUNE

Barbara Brown has some fun with Ricky and Albert.

Puppets by Howard Williams and Ivan Owen. Music by Roger Webb.

First Transmitted June 1964.

WILLUM’S PICTURE BOOK

Illustrated and introduced by Neville Wortman.

First Transmitted June 1960.

WILLUM’S TEA PARTY

By Janet Nicholls.

Muriel Young and Wally Whyton have a special tea party for Pussy Cat Willum.

First Transmitted September 1961.

From September 1966

PLAYTIME

Presented by Gwyneth Surdivell and Jennifer Naden.

Gwyneth and Jenny invite you to join in the dancing, singing, games and painting in their magic park.

Music by Glyn Hale.

Designer Jim Nicholson.

First Transmitted 26th September, 1966.

From March 1967

DIDGERIDOO

Rolf Harris with Sugar and Jerboa at Wambidgee.

Programme editor Guy Rowston. Executive Producer Penny Wooton.

Tyne-Tees TV Production.

From June 1967

HATTY TOWN

Created by Keith Chatfield.

Storyteller Peter Hawkins. Drawings by John McLusky.

Editor Meg Trace.

From September 1967

Fergus Fish

Created and written by Harold Rottesman.

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