January 18, 2004.

SYNOPSIS In the village of Much Jollity on the Mirth, the King and his Jesters, See and Saw, help young viewers learn new words. Also appearing in this children's television program is Sylvester McCoy as the very, very old Lord High Chamberlain. He tries to help the King out, but usually gets things wrong.

The children watching the program live are on a giant see saw. Whenever the King shows them a video clip, they have to decide on an answer by running from one side of the see saw to the other. The sketches themselves don't star the King and his subjects, but the actors in other roles.

REVIEW Yes, this program is for children a bit younger than I am. But it was certainly fun to see McCoy in yet another interesting role. And in one of the stories, he played the part of the King's Aunt Grizelda. This is probably the funniest episode I'd seen. Just seeing Sylv playing the spoons while wearing a dress and funny glasses... Ah well, guess you had to be there.

PRODUCTION INFO Produced by Brechin Productions Limited in 1999. See their Official Site here. Originally shown on BBC1.

AVAILABILITY Currently not available on video. The show has been repeated on BBC2. No news on a third season yet.

SOUNDS As with all my wavs, I have compressed and uncompressed versions.

For the regular 11,025 Hz, 16 bit, Mono sounds, click on the button. For the compressed MPEG Layer-3 sounds, click on the button.

KING: "Lord High Chamberlain, make him a peer."
CHAMB: "Shazaam! There he is, he's been there all the time, your lordship."

"I know when I'm getting the brush off."

"I coulda been someone. I coulda been a contender."

"I don't know what's palatable."

"I'm all washed out. Can I go off to sleep now your lord high-wish-ness?"

"Oh I don't know. A blame workman always blames his tools."

"Very well, sir."

"Kissy! Kissy!"

"Come here and stand on that stool!"

AUNT: "Now I want you to recite the names of the kings and queens of our sovereign nation, the dates when they succeeded to the throne, and where neccessary, their claims to the throne."
KING: "D'do I have to?"
AUNT: "Well, if the royal family don't know these things, how do we expect anyone else to?"

AUNT playing the spoons.
KING: "How on EARTH am I going to get rid of her?"

"Who told you that one?"

"No-ooo no no no, I don't know him."

"Fun, fun! Well, I think we've had enough fun. Now it's time I should leave."

AUNT: "You've been telling little fibs! And so there's only one punishment for you. And that is... The Spoons!"
KING: "Oh no! Not the spoons!"

All See It Saw It images and sounds are © Brechin Productions Limited. Check out the official site here.

Sylvester McCoy, the Lord High Chamberlain.

The Lord High Chamberlain helps the King.

Aunt Grizelda arrives.

Aunt Grizelda gets something...

The Spoons!

Aunt Grizelda plays on the King's head.

Check out these eyes!

Aunt Grizelda isn't happy.

A surprised Aunt Grizelda.

Aunt Grizelda decides to go home.