Bertha (1985)

[Cassette Carl]

Title: Bertha

Genre: Animation

Cast: Roy Kinnear

First aired: Mar 31, 1985

Last air date: Jun 17, 1986

Overview: Bertha is a British stop motion-animated children's television series about a factory machine of that name, comprising 13 episodes that aired from 1985 to 1986. Other major characters in the series were Mr Willmake, Mr Sprott and Tracy. All the characters were designed by Ivor Wood, and the series was produced by his company, Woodland Animations. It was broadcast on BBC Television.

A series of six storybooks based on Bertha was published by André Deutsch at the same time as the series was broadcast. They were adapted by Eric Charles and illustrated by Steve Augarde, who was also responsible for the artwork and music in the children's series Bump.

"Bertha" is indeed a charming piece of 1980s children's television, showcasing the creative talents of Ivor Wood, who was well-known for his work on other beloved series like "Postman Pat" and "The Wombles." The series' focus on the whimsical workings of a factory and its anthropomorphic machine, Bertha, provided young audiences with an engaging mix of education and entertainment.

Roy Kinnear, a distinguished British actor, lent his voice to the series, adding a touch of warmth and humor. The show's animation style, characterized by stop-motion techniques, was a hallmark of Woodland Animations, bringing a tactile and endearing quality to the storytelling.

The accompanying storybooks by Eric Charles and Steve Augarde extended the series' reach, allowing children to explore Bertha's world beyond the screen. This blend of television and literature was a common strategy in the 1980s to enhance children's engagement with their favorite characters and stories.

"Bertha" remains a fond memory for those who experienced it during its original broadcast, representing a unique era of children's programming that emphasized creativity and imagination.