Three of the novels were adapted for television in the UK between 1972 and 1981, broadcast as segments of the BBC children's series "Jackanory", with Kenneth Williams as the storyteller. Each was presented as five 15-minute episodes, in which Williams read an abridged version of the book (although it was more than a simple reading: being an experienced comedy actor, Williams performed the characters individually from the script, using just his voice and facial expressions). His performance was inter-cut with the illustrations by Quentin Blake published in the British editions of the books. The first to receive this treatment was "Agaton Sax and the Max Brothers" in October 1972, adapted by Jeremy Swan, followed by "The League of Silent Exploders" in February 1978 (which was repeated in April 1979), and "Lispington's Grandfather Clock" in October 1981 (this last getting a repeat for Christmas in December 1982).