Heartily Wizard Start To Hols (Press, 16 December 1983)

A British television programme, “Five Go Mad in Dorset,” which aired on 12 December 1983, has garnered attention for its satirical take on the works of Enid Blyton. The 30-minute show is described as a parody that encapsulates a range of negative attributes associated with Blyton's characters, including being racist, sexist, and crude, yet it has resonated with audiences. Using adult actors to portray Blyton's child characters added a unique twist, as it highlighted the unrealistic portrayals of childhood found in Blyton’s literature. In the parody, Blyton’s characters are caricatured into two-dimensional beings that reflect traditional and stereotypical gender roles. Girls are depicted either as quiet homemakers or as reluctant tomboys wishing to be boys. Boys, on the other hand, are characterized as adventure-seeking and assertive, embodying various masculine traits. The show features a comical portrayal of class and ethnicity, with derogatory stereotypes that extend to different nationalities and social classes. The storyline involves classic elements of adventure where the protagonists, known as the "Five," engage in action-packed escapades, encounter numerous villains, and ultimately rely on coincidental circumstances to resolve the chaos, staying true to the typical Blyton formula. The blend of adventure and satire strikes a chord with the audience as the characters frequently indulge in over-the-top language and situations. Several notable moments in the programme raise eyebrows, such as a tomboy character being insulted by a wealthy Jewish boy, and later, a gypsy character making an inappropriate advance towards one of the female characters, showcasing the show's audacious humour. The culmination of the episode reveals that the kidnapped uncle's outrageous behaviour is linked to the underlying themes in the parody, resulting in a revelation about his sexual orientation and the subsequent comedic legal implications. Despite its popularity, the programme's satirical approach and the sensitive themes it addresses may lead to mixed reactions among viewers, with some possibly finding it offensive rather than humorous. Overall, "Five Go Mad in Dorset" stands out as a bold critique of Enid Blyton’s iconic but outdated narratives, drawing both laughter and concern for its reflections on society, past and present.

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