BBC Four is bringing back the magic of The Box of Delights this Christmas. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the six-part adaptation of John Masefield’s classic children’s novel will air on in December.
This is in addition to the upcoming Blu-ray release.
Starring the wonderful Patrick Troughton, the series follows the adventures of young Kay Harker (Devin Stanfield) as he discovers a magical box that grants him extraordinary powers, and uses it to combat the evil machinations of Abner Brown (Robert Stephens). Originally broadcast on BBC One in late 1984, the show captivated audiences with its innovative blend of live-action and animation.
The festive fun begins on Saturday, 7th December at 7pm with a double bill of episodes 1 and 2. Before the main event, director Renny Rye will introduce the series with a special message.
The Box of Delights was a groundbreaking production for its time, costing a hefty £1 million. Its critical acclaim and three BAFTA awards solidified its place in television history.
To mark this special anniversary, a Box of Delights 40th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray is out on November 25th, featuring remastered and accompanied by a new documentary, Time and Tide – Making The Box of Delights. We’ll be chatting to the producer of that documentary, Chris Chapman, in an upcoming edition of the podcast.
If you’re a fan of classic children’s fantasy, or simply looking for some nostalgic holiday cheer, tune in to BBC Four this December.