Grotbags
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Grotbags is the name of a fictional witch who is a popular fixture on British children's television. A character sculpted very much in the mould of the traditional pantomime villain, Grotbags has always been played by actress and singer Carole Lee Scott in a costume comprising distinctive vivid green make-up and a witch's cape and hat. The character was created for the series Emu's World, made by Central Independent Television, which was first screened on the ITV network in 1982.
Grotbags' role was largely to act as a nemesis to the good and virtuous character played by actor and puppeteer Rod Hull, often with the hindrance of her two companions, a cowardly crocodile names Croc and a politely-mannered robot butler, Robot Redford. Her presence in the show largely involved threatening to steal Hull's 'pet' Emu and terrorising the children inside The Pink Windmill (Hull's fictional home in the series). The children were comprised of students from the Sylvia Young Theatre School.
The programme's weekly storyline would usually revolve around a surprise visit from Grotbags or her companions, who would gain entry to the Pink Windmill by ringing the doorbell. This would cause an excited Hull, followed by the children, to dance around chanting "There's somebody at the door, there's somebody at the door"), which provided the show's most memorable catchphrase. An unwitting Hull would then open the door, letting the villain in. However, Grotbags' plans were always seen to fail, a plot device which served to educate younger viewers that good should always triumph over evil.
Emu's World was replaced after a few series by Emu's All Live Pink Windmill Show, in which Grotbags offered contestants from the audience the chance to win prizes in her 'grotto'. Grotbags then went on to host her own TV series transmitted by ITV between 1991 and 1993 with her two puppet lodgers.
Carole Lee Scott continues to play Grotbags in pantomime and at live functions with the odd TV appearance.
