Maddigan's Quest
A post-apocalyptic quest to save a city with a solar converter.
Maddigan's Quest is a fantasy television series from New Zealand, set in a world recovering from a major disaster. The show originated from an idea by Margaret Mahy, with Rachel Lang and Gavin Strawhan adapting it for the screen. It first aired on TV3 in New Zealand on January 15, 2006, before airing on BBC1 in the United Kingdom later that year, and also broadcast on the Nine Network in Australia.
The story takes place early in the 22nd century, after a sudden and massive shift in the Earth's tectonic plates transformed the planet. This period, known as the Great Shift or Great Chaos, has become the stuff of myth. The human population dropped sharply, and most old ways were lost. Some old technology remains, but bandits and slavery are common.
The series follows a circus group called Maddigan's Fantasia, based in the city of Solis—a rare place of peace and freedom. Each year, the troupe leaves Solis to perform and earn a living. This year, however, their mission is different: they must find a new Solar Converter to replace the failing one that powers Solis. At the heart of the quest is 14-year-old Garland, the last of the Maddigan family line.
Early in the journey, just after Garland's father and troupe leader Ferdy Maddigan is killed, two boys and their baby sister arrive from the future. The younger brother, Eden, seems a blessing with his illusion skills, but his older brother Timon hides a dangerous secret that could doom the Fantasia, their mission, and Solis itself.
- Genre
- Fantasy, post-apocalyptic
- Country
- New Zealand
- Original network
- TV3 (New Zealand), BBC1 (UK), Nine Network (Australia)
- Original release
- January 15, 2006 (New Zealand)
- Based on
- Original concept by Margaret Mahy
- Developed by
- Rachel Lang and Gavin Strawhan
Lore & Background
Near the beginning of the journey, after Garland's father Ferdy Maddigan is killed, two boys and their baby sister appear from the future. The younger brother, Eden, uses illusionary skills and seems a blessing, but his older brother Timon hides a dark secret that threatens the Fantasia, their mission, and the future of Solis. The main cast includes Rose McIver as Garland, Jordan Metcalfe as Timon, Zac Fox as Eden, and Danielle Cormack as Maddie, Garland's mother.
Reader's Guide
Maddigan's Quest represents a notable New Zealand contribution to post-apocalyptic fantasy television, drawing on the creative vision of acclaimed author Margaret Mahy. The series explores themes of survival, family legacy, and the tension between hope and hidden danger. Its narrative structure—a quest to replace a vital power source—echoes classic adventure stories while incorporating time travel and dystopian elements. The show aired internationally on BBC1 in the UK and on networks in New Zealand and Australia, indicating cross-market appeal. A tie-in novel, originally titled Maddigan's Fantasia and later re-released as Maddigan's Quest, was written by Margaret Mahy based on her concept, expanding the story beyond the screen. The series received recognition from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Association of New Zealand and the Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand, underscoring its impact within the local industry.
Did You Know?
- The series was based on an original concept by Margaret Mahy, a celebrated New Zealand author.
- The story features a time-travel element: two boys and their baby sister appear from the future near the start of the journey.
- A tie-in novel, titled Maddigan's Quest, was written by Margaret Mahy and published in 2005.
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