Mirror, Mirror (TV series)

Lore & Background

The series was created by Posie Graeme-Evans, who also served as an executive producer alongside Dorothee Pinfold and Ian Fairweather. Directors included John Banas, father of actress Michala Banas who played Louisa, and Sophie Turkiewicz. Co-writers included Ray Harding, Greg Haddrick, Tony Morphett, Greg Millin, Katherine Thomson, Hilary Bell, Anthony Ellis, Ian Fairweather, and Posie Graeme-Evans. The theme song was co-written by Chris Harriott (music) and Dennis Watkins (lyrics), sung by Nadine Weinberger.

The plot centers on Jo Tiegan, who receives an antique mirror from an elderly shop owner. She discovers she can see and communicate with Louisa Iredale, a girl in 1919. The mirror allows them to travel between times, leading to a hazardous situation involving toxic waste from an archaeological dig. Jo and Louisa work together to prevent harm, encountering Nicholas, who is revealed to be Alexei Nikolaevich, son of the Tsar of Russia, held captive by Sir Ivor Creevey-Thorne.

Romantic bonds develop between Jo and Nicholas, and between Louisa and Tama Williams. The elderly shop owner is later revealed to be the Old Man, who states Jo would marry Nicholas in 1919 and not return to 1995. Nicholas retrieves his family signet ring from 1995 but cannot return to 1919 with it, forcing a choice that causes the mirror to ripple and vanish from both periods.

Reader's Guide

Mirror, Mirror is significant as a children's fantasy serial that blends historical fiction with time travel, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and moral responsibility. The series won the Best Children's Program award at the 1996 New Zealand Film and TV Awards and a Gold award at the World Television Festival in Houston, United States. Petra Jared, who played Jo, received a Best New Talent award. The show's co-production between Australia and New Zealand and its use of a 20-episode serial format with cliffhangers contributed to its narrative depth. The inclusion of real historical elements, such as the Russian Royal Family, added educational value. The series remains a notable example of 1990s children's television from the region, remembered for its engaging plot and strong performances.