Jamie and his Magic Torch is a beloved British animated children's television show that first aired in 1976. The theme tune of the show is catchy and memorable, contributing to its enduring popularity. Composed by Roger Limb, the theme tune captures the whimsical and magical essence of the show. The tune is upbeat and energetic, featuring a combination of lively instrumentation and cheerful melodies. It immediately sets the tone for the show and captivates young viewers, inviting them into the enchanting world of Jamie, his magic torch, and his adventures. The theme tune begins with a playful and bouncy rhythm, accompanied by the twinkling sound of a glockenspiel.

Jamie and the Magic Torch

‘Jaym-eeeee, Jaym-eee, Jaym-ee and the Magic Torch!’ There can’t be many children of the late 1970s who don’t still feel a flush of nostalgia on hearing the instantly recognisable, guitar-heavy, rocking theme tune of Jamie and the Magic Torch. Migraine-inducing psychedelic colours fleshed out the basic, shuddery but cute animation that accompanied this strange little programme, with its eccentric characters and very often insane dialogue. It was narrated by Brian Trueman who, along with the wonderful production of Cosgrove Hall, also brought Chorlton and the Wheelies, Dangermouse and Count Duckula (amongst others) to life.

The first view you got of Jamie’s real-life world felt like the intro to a horror film; a moon-lit suburban street, accompanied by ever-so-slightly creepy piano music, a cat yowling and an owl hooting. Zooming up the side of a house, you then entered a window (which had a warm yellow light emanating through it from the outside, but actually was a room with no light on once you got inside!) and saw Jamie for the first time. Everything seemed normal; just another little boy being tucked up at the end of a busy day. The shadow of Jamie’s always-unseen mother said ‘Sleep well Jamie’ before leaving him snuggled under his blanket, seemingly to begin a good night’s snooze. Unbeknownst to her however, Jamie had other ideas. Once his door was closed his English Sheepdog Wordsworth appeared from under his bed with the Magic Torch of the programme’s title in his mouth. Jamie turned on the torch, opening up a disco-lit sparkling portal in his bedroom floor just where the light hit it, which led to a stripy helter-skelter. Jamie threw himself down it with enthusiasiam, Wordsworth following slightly more reluctantly (possibly because the hole was just slightly smaller than he was) and after an unfeasibly long ride down the slide they bounced out on to a trampoline and into the bonkers world of Cuckoo Land.

Purple trees, blue mountains, multi-coloured toadstools and orange skies provided the background for this world of strange and eccentric characters. During their time there Jamie and Wordsworth encountered Officer Gotcha, a policeman on a unicycle who ate truncheons; Wellybob, a large and frazzled-looking Scottish cat who did everything backwards, and Strumpers Plunkett, who was never short of a tune to play on his trumpet-shaped nose. Mr Boo couldn’t stop counting things, the Yoo-hoo Bird couldn’t stop pranking Officer Gotcha and Nutmeg the rag doll kept an assortment of objects in her pockets. There was also Jo-Jo Help, an unhandy handyman who appeared through a hole in the ground whenever the word ‘help’ was mentioned but was never actually available at that precise moment to be able to give you a hand. The last crazy citizen was Bully Bundy, a giant-footed rabbit with show business pretentions; he would often burst theatrically out of his top hat and begin quoting Shakespeare. Well, why not?

Jamie was always polite, and spent his time trying to sort out their problems with the aid of his torch’s magical properties. Wordsworth offered his own helpful ideas and provided a witty and often slightly cynical commentary (yes, he was able to talk and, for no apparent reason other than presumably it sounds funnier, has a West Country accent) on the inhabitants – most of them are described as ‘bloomin’ cuckoo!’

At the end of their adventure Jamie and his faithful friend would reverse their journey (literally, the animation just ran backwards) back up the helter-skelter, through the portal back into his bedroom and into/under the bed respectively. From out of shot you then heard his mum say ‘Settle down now Jamie. Come on Wordsworth, out of there,’ which implied that time in Cuckoo Land works slightly differently to that of Jamie’s real life and he hadn’t been missed. You left Jamie asleep – and presumably no dream he went on to have could be more peculiar than what he had just witnessed.

It ran from 1976 to 1979 on Thames Television; three series and 39 weird and wonderful episodes that enthralled children and left their parents slightly mystified.

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Anyone remember jamie and the magic torch?

For years ive been looking through the digital channels for this little gem of a show but its never repeated, why?

Right at the begining of each episode there is a little haunting bit of music as we see a suburban street and then a close up of a house bedroom window and, then the magic begins.:D

What a great little show.

The theme tune begins with a playful and bouncy rhythm, accompanied by the twinkling sound of a glockenspiel. This initial introduction creates a sense of anticipation and excitement, mirroring Jamie's anticipation as he embarks on each episode's new journey. As the tune progresses, more instruments are added to the mix, building upon the initial foundation.

Comments

Yeah I remember it, mainly for the theme tune though.

There's episodes on YouTube if you wanna watch it again.

The opening titles used to scare me when I was little.

But then, when I was little, just about everything scared me.

great show! didn't they have a cop with a single wheel instead of legs and a flashing light on his hat? wordsworth was fantastic. so laid back and chilled.

quality program. on youtube there are some episodes posted. worth watching just for nostalgia reasons. plus it had the best theme tune to any kids proggy ever.

Thought of the theme tune as soon as I saw the title
Rocky soundtrack and the psychedelic colours of the helter skelter.

I blame Crystal Tipps for my attraction to ladies with curly unruly bobs.

For years ive been looking through the digital channels for this little gem of a show but its never repeated, why?

Right at the begining of each episode there is a little haunting bit of music as we see a suburban street and then a close up of a house bedroom window and, then the magic begins.:D

What a great little show.

Here just for you.

And this as well

I may have been born in the USA but we did get to see some great classic 70's cartoons.One question though why do the Flumps look like big hairy bruised testicles?

Jamie And The Magic Torch - Main Theme

Listen to Jamie And The Magic Torch - Main Theme online. Jamie And The Magic Torch - Main Theme is an English language song and is sung by Geek Music. Jamie And The Magic Torch - Main Theme, from the album Jamie And The Magic Torch - Main Theme, was released in the year 2018. The duration of the song is 1:42. Download English songs online from JioSaavn.

1m 42s · English

A brass section adds a lively and grand feel to the music, while the addition of strings provides a touch of whimsy and magic. These layers of instrumentation work together harmoniously, creating a rich and lively sound that mirrors the vibrant and colorful world of the show. The melody of the theme tune is catchy and easy to sing along to, making it instantly memorable. The lyrics describe the premise of the show, inviting listeners to join Jamie on his adventures with his magic torch. They also mention the show's other beloved characters, including his friend Wordsworth the sheepdog and the big friendly giant named Jo-Jo. The theme tune's lyrics are accompanied by spirited vocals, sung by a children's chorus. The youthful voices add to the overall joyful and playful nature of the music, further engaging the show's young audience. Overall, the theme tune of Jamie and his Magic Torch is a delightful composition that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the show. Its catchy melodies, lively instrumentation, and playful lyrics create an instantly recognizable and memorable theme that has stood the test of time. Whether you watched the show as a child or are discovering it today, the theme tune is sure to bring a smile to your face and transport you into Jamie's magical world..

Reviews for "Jamie and His Magic Torch: A Celebration of Animation and Music"

1. Sarah - 2 stars

I really didn't enjoy the theme tune for "Jamie and his magic torch". It felt repetitive and the melody was quite dull. The lyrics weren't memorable either, and it just didn't capture my attention like other theme tunes do. Overall, I found it to be forgettable and lacking in creativity.

2. Mark - 1 star

The theme tune for "Jamie and his magic torch" was incredibly annoying to me. The high-pitched voices and cheesy lyrics were grating on my ears. It seemed like a cheap attempt at creating a catchy tune, but it missed the mark completely. I could barely listen to it without cringing, and I found myself skipping the intro every time I watched the show.

3. Emily - 2 stars

The theme tune for "Jamie and his magic torch" was just not my cup of tea. It felt outdated and didn't resonate with me at all. The instrumentation was lackluster and the melody didn't evoke any emotion or excitement. It felt like a generic theme tune that was hastily put together without much thought. Overall, it just didn't make me excited to watch the show.

4. John - 1 star

I have to say, the theme tune for "Jamie and his magic torch" was one of the worst I've ever heard. The tune was repetitive and the lyrics were incredibly cheesy. It felt like a forced attempt at creating a catchy jingle, but it missed the mark completely. It didn't match the tone of the show and left me cringing every time it played. Overall, I was not a fan of the theme tune and it definitely negatively impacted my viewing experience.

The Enduring Appeal of Jamie and His Magic Torch Theme Tune