The Ghost of Faffner Hall
A ghostly music conservatory series from Jim Henson Productions.
The Ghost of Faffner Hall is a musical children's television series produced by Jim Henson Productions and the British ITV company Tyne Tees Television. It aired from August 16, 1989 to November 11, 1989 in the UK and slightly later in the US. The series is notable for being a Henson production created outside the usual Muppet franchise, featuring original puppet characters and guest appearances by renowned musicians.
- type
- Television series
- genre
- Musical children's television
- production_companies
- Jim Henson Productions, Tyne Tees Television
- original_run
- August 16, 1989 – November 11, 1989 (UK)
- director
- Tony Kysh
- puppet_creation
- Jim Henson's Creature Shop
- recording_location
- Tyne Tees Studios, Newcastle upon Tyne
Lore & Background
The series is set at Faffner Hall, a music conservatory founded by Fughetta Faffner. After her death, Fughetta's ghost haunts the hall, which is now run by her great-great-grandnephew Farkus Faffner, who hates music and cares only about money. Fughetta, with the help of Mimi, Riff, and the Wild Impresario, thwarts Farkus's plans to destroy the conservatory. When Fughetta hears beautiful music, she solidifies; she can also freeze time to consult with busts of Beethoven, Mozart, and Handel.
Reader's Guide
The Ghost of Faffner Hall represents a lesser-known but distinctive entry in Jim Henson's television work, blending music education with puppet comedy. Its significance lies in its use of the Creature Shop for original puppet design and its roster of special musical guests, including Dizzy Gillespie, Mark Knopfler, Joni Mitchell, and James Taylor. The series was directed by Tony Kysh, senior director of Tyne Tees Television's children's department. Critical reception was brief but favorable, with People magazine's Alan Carter noting the absence of classic Muppets characters but calling the show 'one that sings.' The series aired only in 1989 in the UK and slightly later in the US, and remains a niche curiosity for Henson enthusiasts.
Did You Know?
- The puppets were created by Jim Henson's Creature Shop.
- The series was recorded at Tyne Tees Studios in Newcastle upon Tyne.
- Special musical guests included Dizzy Gillespie, Mark Knopfler, Joni Mitchell, and James Taylor.
- The main antagonist, Farkus Faffner, hates music and only cares about money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Ghost of Faffner Hall?
It is a short-lived musical children's television series set in a haunted music conservatory, produced by Jim Henson Productions alongside Tyne Tees Television. The show features an original puppet ensemble created by Jim Henson's Creature Shop rather than the familiar Muppet cast, and incorporates live guest performances by well-known musicians.
When did The Ghost of Faffner Hall air and who directed it?
The series premiered in the UK on August 16, 1989, and concluded on November 11, 1989, with a slightly delayed US broadcast following. Tony Kysh served as the series director.
Why is The Ghost of Faffner Hall notable in Jim Henson's filmography?
It is one of the few Henson productions built entirely around original, non-Muppet puppet characters, giving it a distinct identity within the studio's output. The show also blended puppetry with real musical performances, a format that set it apart from Henson's other children's programming.
What kind of show is The Ghost of Faffner Hall?
It is a musical children's series in which ghostly puppet characters inhabit a conservatory and perform songs, often with guest appearances by established musicians. The tone is lighthearted and aimed at a young audience, combining spooky aesthetics with a focus on music.
Who created the puppets in The Ghost of Faffner Hall?
The puppet characters were designed and built by Jim Henson's Creature Shop, the same workshop behind the Muppets and other Henson productions. Despite the shared workshop, the characters were entirely new designs made specifically for this series.
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