Bubble UK Review: Sky One’s Puppet Fantasy Comedy ‘Yonderland’

My partner called me into the front room last night at a stupid time, 6.30, to tell me Sky One’s new Puppet fantasy, Yonderland had begun. 6.30, right after the Simpsons on a Sunday night, just this time slot alone indicted that Sky are taking this very funny show, very seriously.

We have previously introduced you to the inhabitants of Yonderland, a comedy dreamt up by the folk behind Horrible Histories, but let’s recap. In episode one we met Debbie Maddox (Martha Howe Douglas),  a bored suburban housewife who one day discovers an elf and a portal to another realm in her larder. The elf (who is the spitting image of Warrick Davies in Willow) convinces Debbie to travel through the portal to Yonderland, where scrolls foretell that she is the chosen one who will save them from the evil Negatus, played brilliantly by Simon Farnaby.

The first thing you notice, when the camera pans to the council of Elders, is the stunning backgrounds which definitely place you in an ethereal realm. Next, you’ll see a host of recognisable faces from British comedy, you may not be able to name all the stars of the show ( many of whom, like Mathew Baynton, Martha Howe-Douglas and the aforementioned Farnaby, but you will definitely recall them from previous shows. These cast members all play various roles within the show so expect them to grace every scene as different individuals. Lastly, whilst watching Yonderland, you’ll take in the enormous amount of detail from the puppets, made by Henson alum  Baker Coogan, which quite frankly blow recent Henson Company efforts (I’m looking at you That Puppet Game Show) out the water. The puppets are brilliant, from the tiny to the large, they have so much style and character you can’t help but fall in love.

Much of the first episode is taken up by Debbie accepting the quest before her and the second is where we get find out more of the Evil Negatus, a man whose long shadow has left a blight across the land of..um.. Yonder. Both episode were “all killer no filler” and Yonderland hits it’s stride early on and doesn’t falter. The show isn’t roll around on the floor, groundbreakingly, funny but it does make you laugh; a lot, and you can’t help but be impressed by the scenery, puppets and all round enthusiasm from cast and crew.

It’s 6.30 weekend timeslot means there won’t be too much adult comedy in the air and this is show to watch with your kids or younger family members. I’m not sure whether it was the chilly time of year or the pure British-ness of the show, but the fantasy element brought to mind Sky One’s fabulous Discworld adaptations from previous winters. There is a definite nod toward Terry Pratchett’s fantastic realms in Yonderland and it is perfect festive cheer, I really enjoyed it and will most assuredly be dragging myself away from the computer to get warm by the fire (I’m imagining I have a fire, I don’t, but the front room is warmer than my “office”) and tune in to Sky One at 6.30 every Sunday.
http://youtu.be/9tpye-IjvjQ