We’re strong believers in joy and whimsy (to balance out the rage we often feel at the state of the world, obviously!). And those seeking out joy would do well to look no further than the animated remake of Spike Milligan's Badjelly the Witch: the soundtrack (on cassette, duh) to many a family roadtrip in the 70s and 80s and a tale so great I had a cat named after it (RIP Fluffy Bum).
The new series, out now on TVNZ+, features an exemplary cast of hilarious people guaranteed to tickle your funny bones all the way to Bare Bottom Land. From British star Miriam Margolyes (voicing Badjelly) to Kiwi comedians including Rose Matafeo, Chris Parker, Theo Shakes, Guy Montgomery, Madeleine Sami, Rhys Darby, Kura Forrester, Josh Thompson, the iconic Richard O’Brien and more.
And, at the heart of it, Ava Diakhaby as dear Rose. Best known until now for her role as Jojo in Shortland St, Ava has also appeared in local productions Miles From Nowhere and Time Bandits. For our The Last Time column, she shares her new hobby of pole dancing, the recent purchase she’s in love with, the retinol cream she recently finished and more.
When was the last time you cried?
Great question, literally just before I opened my laptop to answer these questions! The end of the year [when Ava answered these questions] is always a really difficult time for me, so I think the waves came crashing in and I had a major release. But I cry most weeks. It’s healthy, ok!
When was the last time you danced, and what were you dancing to?
I went to my first pole class the other night, so then. I can’t remember all of the songs, but an interesting remix of Sisqo's Thong Song made an appearance.
What was the last thing you bought and loved?
Well! I treated myself to the Canon G7X, and yes, I’m in love. I had been eyeing this camera up for the LONGEST time. So, when I got the call that I was next on the list I literally jumped for joy!
When was the last time you got really angry and what was it about?
Most days. Have you seen the state of the world?
What’s the last piece of clothing you bought?
A navy lace silk dress.
What’s the last beauty product you finished?
When’s the last time you got drunk?
Honestly, I think drinking is so out for 2025. So the last time I was properly quite drunk was after I broke up with my ex. I would have had a lot of prosecco.
What was the last really delicious thing you ate?
My friend Hunter made the most delicious spread last night for a girls’ dinner and I swear, everything was 11/10. From watermelon and melon with labneh, charred corn, prawns, beef, pineapple, cucumber, and mango salsa.
The last song you listened to on Spotify?
Crybaby by SZA. This whole album is everything to me right now.
The last book you finished?
Amma by Saraid de Silva. BEST book of 2024 ok!
The last TV show you watched?
Lioness: Special Ops with Zoe Saldana. This woman is my icon.
The last DM/text you sent? Who was it to?
Confidential chats with my agent! Shhh.
What’s the last fight you had?
I don’t reaaalllly fight like that. It’s more like silent beef.
The last time you laughed so much your tummy hurt?
Last month, over the placement of the razor in the bathroom. This makes no sense to you, but when do moments like this ever make sense.
When’s the last time you were home?
Back in Auckland? September 2024.
