Maddigan's Quest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maddigan's Quest |
|
|---|---|
| Created by | Margaret Mahy Gavin Strawhan Rachel Lang |
| Starring | Rose McIver Jordan Metcalfe Zac Fox Peter Daube Michael Hurst Danielle Cormack Timothy Balme Rawiri Pene Rachel House Olivia Tennet Hori Ahipene |
| Country of origin | New Zealand Australia United Kingdom |
| No. of episodes | 13 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Simon Bennett |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Production company(s) | South Pacific Pictures Burberry Productions |
| Release | |
| Original network | TV3 Nine Network CBBC |
| Original release | 26 January – 16 February 2006 |
Maddigan's Quest is a thrilling New Zealand fantasy TV show. It is set in a future world after a huge disaster. The show is based on an idea by Margaret Mahy. It was made for TV by Gavin Strawhan and Rachel Lang.
The series first aired in New Zealand on TV3. It also showed in the UK on CBBC, in the US on Family Room HD, and in Australia on the Nine Network in early 2006.
Contents
The Story of Maddigan's Quest
What Happened to the World?
Long ago, in the early 22nd century, the world changed very fast. The Earth's plates moved quickly. This event is now called the Great Shift or the Great Chaos. It has become a myth or legend.
Because of this big change, fewer people lived on Earth. Most of the old ways of life were lost. Some old technology still exists, but human society has gone backwards. Slavery is common, and robbers roam the roads.
The Fantasia's Special Mission
Maddigan’s Quest follows a circus group called ‘Maddigan’s Fantasia’. They come from a city called Solis. Solis is a place of freedom and peace in this difficult world.
Every year, the Fantasia travels to perform and earn money. But this year is different. They have a very important task. They must find a new Solar Converter. This device powers Solis, and the old one is breaking down.
Garland's Journey and New Friends
At the heart of this quest is 14-year-old Garland. She is the last person in the Maddigan family line.
Early in their journey, something sad happens. Ferdy Maddigan, the group's leader and Garland's father, is killed. Soon after, two boys and their baby sister appear. They are from the future!
The younger brother, Eden, has amazing illusion skills. He seems like a gift to the performers. But his older brother, Timon, has a dark secret. This secret could put the Fantasia, their mission, and the future of Solis in great danger.
Meet the Characters
- Rose McIver as Garland
- Jordan Metcalfe as Timon
- Zac Fox as Eden
- Olivia Tennet as Lilith
- Rawiri Pene as Boomer
- Danielle Cormack as Maddie
- Timothy Balme as Yves
- Rachel House as Goneril
- Hori Ahipene as Tane
- Mark Nua as Bannister
- Ben Cooper as Nye
- Bronwyn Baker as Byrna
- Fleur Saville as Silver Girl
- Peter Daube as Ozul
- Michael Hurst as Maska
- Jack Campbell as Ferdy
- Grace Brannigan as Jewel
Episodes of the Show
There are 13 episodes in Maddigan's Quest. They first aired in early 2006.
Awards and Recognition
Maddigan's Quest won several awards. These awards show how good the TV series was.
Air New Zealand Screen Awards
At the Air New Zealand Screen Awards on August 1, 2007, the show won four awards:
- Best Children's Programme: This means it was the top TV show for kids.
- Contribution to design: For the amazing costumes designed by Tracey Collins.
- Original Music: For the great music created by Victoria Kelly.
- Contribution to Sound Design: For the excellent sound work by Carl Smith, Rodney Larsen, and Steve Finnegan.
Sir Julius Vogel Awards
The show also won an award at the 2007 Sir Julius Vogel Awards. This award was for Best Dramatic Presentation – Long Form. These awards celebrate New Zealand science fiction and fantasy.
The Book: Maddigan's Fantasia
There is also a book related to the TV show. It is called Maddigan's Fantasia. It was later re-released as Maddigan's Quest. Margaret Mahy wrote this novel. It was created as a tie-in for the BBC show, which was based on her original idea.
The Book's Story
In the book, the circus group Maddigan's Fantasia is on a mission. They need to get a new solar converter from a place called Newton. This is for their home city, Solis.
On their way, the Fantasia meets two strange boys, Timon and Eden. These boys are from the future! They have come to help the Fantasia change history. In their original timeline, the Fantasia did not get back to Solis in time. Because of this, the city council chose a dangerous "radiation path" for power.
Timon and Eden's parents were killed in their future. An evil monster called the Nennog ruled Solis. Their parents tried to find a way to change the past. They created a "time slider." But they were killed before they could use it. So, Timon and Eden finished their parents' work. They traveled back in time to save the Fantasia. In the end, Solis was saved!
