Sid's friend Lionel Bart asked him to view a rough cut of the movie adaptation of "Oliver". Sid took notice of young actor Jack Wild and immediately decided that he was the kid who he wanted to play the lead in his television series. Only two actresses auditioned to play Witchiepoo. The first was then-unknown Penny Marshall, but it was believed that she was not right for the part. Stage veteran Billie Hayes came in next, set into a maniacal cackle and hopped up on a desk. She was given the part on the spot.