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Drawings from Roald Dahl Jackanory go on display

Tony FisherBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
Frances Cony An illustration of a boy cooking at a stove in a kitchen with a concerned expression on his face. There is a man next to him looking worried with his hand on his chin.Frances Cony
One of the illustrations included George cooking in the kitchen

A rare piece of children's television history went on display at the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre.

In 1986, comedian and actor Rik Mayall performed a version of the author's book George's Marvellous Medicine for the BBC television series Jackanory.

It is believed to be the first time full colour illustrations from the broadcast will go on display at the museum in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire.

Head of collections at the museum, Will Phillips, said that "to be able to show them to visitors – 40 years since the original broadcast - is a real first for the museum".

The actor Rik Mayall looking into the camera with his arms spread out. He is wearing a jacket and shirt with no tie. He is sitting in a kitchen setting with plates on a dresser behind him. He has a surprised expression on his face.
In 1986, comedian and actor Rik Mayall performed George's Marvellous Medicine for the BBC's Jackanory

The illustrations by Bristol-based artist Frances Cony were donated to the museum last year.

They form the centrepiece of the George's Marvellous Easter exhibition, which starts later and runs until 12 April.

On set, Mayall sat in a farmhouse kitchen to retell the story of George Kranky, who concocted a marvellous medicine featuring 34 different ingredients.

George then fed it to his tyrannical grandmother with surprising results, including growing as tall as the house and bursting through the roof.

Frances Cony An illustration taken from a children's book of an elderly woman being pulled through the roof of a farmhouse by a crane. There is a pig in a sty in the background.Frances Cony
One of the recognisable images from the display included George's grandmother breaking through the roof of the family farmhouse

The broadcasts were considered quite controversial at the time as they drew complaints from concerned parents.

Phillips said they were worried "that children would attempt to recreate the marvellous medicine... prompting the BBC to add a disclaimer to future episodes advising children 'not to try this at home'".

He added: "Legend has it that Mayall memorised the entire book – just under 12,000 words - to deliver an authentic performance for viewers over five episodes."

Despite the controversy, the broadcast was widely considered the most popular Jackanory appearance of all time and was repeated twice in the following six years.

A drawing of a large, brown bottle with "George's Marvellous Medicine" written on the front. There is a blue sky and clouds as the backdrop. The words "by Roald Dahl" are at the bottom.
The title of the Jackanory programme from 1986

Visitors to the museum will be able to see six of the illustrations on display as part of George's Marvellous Easter, as well as photos taken on set during the filming.

An alternative ending to the story from the museum's archive, which never made it to the published book, will also be available to read.

There are also activities to join in with, including the chance to 'Grow Your Own Grandma' and make the tallest octogenarian of the day.

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