Monkey Magic was a Crazy Show on BBC 2

If you grew up watching British television in the late 1970s and 1980s, chances are Monkey holds a special place in your childhood memories. Shown on BBC Two, it was one of the most wonderfully weird, funny and unforgettable programmes of the era.

Who could forget Monkey Magic? The flying cloud, incredible martial arts, bizarre monsters, colourful costumes and that magical world of adventure that seemed unlike anything else on television.

Originally made in Japan as Saiyūki, the series was based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. It followed Monkey, a cheeky, super-powered troublemaker, as he protected the Buddhist monk Tripitaka on a dangerous journey to India, accompanied by the greedy Pigsy and the ever-reliable Sandy.

Every episode brought something new: terrifying demons, strange kingdoms, magical transformations and spectacular battles. But it was the characters and their hilarious antics that really made the show special. Monkey’s cheeky attitude, Pigsy’s endless appetite and their constant bickering were every bit as entertaining as the action.

And then there was that unforgettable theme tune by Godiego. Just hearing those opening notes today is enough to transport many of us straight back to childhood, sitting in front of the television, completely absorbed in another fantastic adventure.

Of course, the special effects and costumes might look a little dated now, but back then they were pure magic. It was a programme full of imagination, humour and adventure, and one that brought something truly different to children’s television.

For those of us who remember those BBC Two afternoons, Monkey wasn’t just another television programme. It was part of growing up.

So, who remembers rushing to the television to watch Monkey Magic?