Few television programmes have captured the imagination of British audiences quite like Doctor Who and Jackanory. While Doctor Who thrilled viewers with time-travelling adventures and alien encounters, Jackanory brought stories to life through the power of a simple, well-told tale. Running for over 3,000 episodes from 1965 to 1984, Jackanory became a cornerstone of children’s television, with its premise of a single narrator reading a story proving to be both timeless and captivating.
Jackanory became an invitation for children to discover the joy of reading. Each episode featured a different story or series of tales, often enhanced by illustrations or subtle dramatic flourishes. The simplicity of the format placed the focus squarely on the narrator’s ability to captivate an audience, and many of the UK’s finest actors stepped up to the challenge. For children of the time, hearing a story read aloud by a familiar face or voice was an enchanting experience.
The programme’s enduring popularity was largely due to its adaptability. It featured stories spanning all genres—from whimsical fairy tales to thrilling adventures and poignant dramas. Among its many narrators, two of the most beloved Doctor Who actors read tales, blending the fantastical worlds of the Doctor with the imaginative realms of children’s literature.
Jon Pertwee: The Third Doctor as Storyteller
Jon Pertwee, best known as the Third Doctor, brought his unique voice and theatrical delivery to Jackanory on multiple occasions; before, during and after his tenure as the Doctor. His episodes, listed chronologically, highlight the range of his storytelling prowess:
31 October 1966: The Green Witch by unknown author
1 November 1966: The Talking Cat by Natalie Savage Carlson
2 November 1966: The Enchanted Children by Vivian T. Pomeroy
3 November 1966: The Clock That Wasn’t There by Eileen Colwell
4 November 1966: Who Is Tom Tildrum? by unknown author
2 May to 5 May 1967: Little Grey Rabbit and the Weasels by Alison Uttley
16 December 1974: The Oak Mountain Troll from Norwegian Troll Stories by Philip Newth
17 December 1974: The Nissen from Norwegian Troll Stories by Philip Newth
18 December 1974: The Hulder Folk from Norwegian Troll Stories by Philip Newth
19 December 1974: The Grimen from Norwegian Troll Stories by Philip Newth
20 December 1974: The Terrible Troll Brats from Norwegian Troll Stories by Philip Newth
24 January 1977: Sir Osmo Meets the Dragons from Binkie and the Quackenbush Dragons by Charles Webster
25 January 1977: Beating the Border Barons from Binkie and the Quackenbush Dragons by Charles Webster
26 January 1977: The Great Dragon Race from Binkie and the Quackenbush Dragons by Charles Webster
27 January 1977: Pixo and the Mermaid from Binkie and the Quackenbush Dragons by Charles Webster
28 January 1977: Flying Fish to the Rescue from Binkie and the Quackenbush Dragons by Charles Webster
Pertwee’s ability to immerse listeners in fantastical worlds was a perfect complement to Jackanory’s mission of igniting children’s imaginations.
Patrick Troughton: The Second Doctor’s Magical Toymakers
Patrick Troughton, the Second Doctor, brought his unique blend of warmth and gravitas to Jackanory in 1973 with a five-part series titled "The Three Toymakers," based on Ursula Moray Williams’s enchanting story. Over five episodes (15 – 19 January 1973), Troughton guided young viewers through the adventures of Peter Toymaker, Marta, and the mischievous Malkin. His masterful storytelling made these episodes memorable for those who tuned in.
Although Troughton and Pertwee are the only two actors who played the Doctor to read stories on Jackanory, many other people who appeared on Doctor Who took their turn too. Most notably, perhaps, being Bernard Cribbins. Best remembered by Doctor Who fans as Donna Noble’s grandfather Wilfred Mott, he was a Jackanory stalwart, reading over 100 stories for the programme. His contributions include classics such as The Wind in the Willows and The Tales of Beatrix Potter. Cribbins’ ability to bring warmth and humour to his storytelling endeared him to generations of children.
Cribbins was not the only Doctor Who cast member to grace Jackanory. Wendy Padbury, known for her role as companion Zoe Heriot, delighted audiences with her storytelling. Michael Jayston, who played the enigmatic Valeyard in Doctor Who, also read for the show, further cementing the connection between these two iconic programmes. Notably, Penelope Wilton—famous for her role as Harriet Jones in Doctor Who—read the final story in Jackanory’s original run. Her narration of Barbara Sleigh’s Carbonel series (26 – 30 March 1984) marked the end of an era for the beloved programme.
While Jackanory has long since left the airwaves, its impact remains. The fusion of Doctor Who’s charisma with the simplicity of Jackanory’s storytelling created moments of television magic that continue to resonate in the hearts of those who grew up watching. Whether it was Jon Pertwee’s dramatic flair or Patrick Troughton’s gentle charm,, for fans of the Doctor, these episodes stand as a testament to the timeless power of a well-told story.
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