Good day.
It has come to my attention that the latest issue of Broomsticks and Cauldrons - a publication which continues, against all odds and editorial restraint, to exist - has found its way into your hands. One might reasonably ask why. Perhaps you seek knowledge. Perhaps you are merely curious. Or perhaps, most concerning of all, you believe yourself to be a practitioner of the arcane arts.
Whatever the case, and as Miss Tick has stepped away from her desk, it is my duty - as it so often is - to remind you that magic, like politics, is best wielded with precision, restraint, and a healthy understanding of consequences. Especially the unintended ones. Proceed through that door, if you wish... watch the first step...
Havelock Vetinari,
Patrician of Ankh-Morpork
(First time contributor, never subscriber)
And I'm back .... What did I miss?
Anyhow ... from the desk of Miss Perspicacia Tick, this issue of Broomsticks and Cauldrons includes:
Allow me to introduce you to...
Lorena Carrington is an illustrator and writer based in regional Victoria, renowned for her intricate photographic montage illustrations. Some of her recent books include The Giant and Satin with Sophie Masson, The Grown-Up's Guide to Picture Books with Lara Cain Gray (author) and Timothy Ide (co-illustrator), and Kate Forsyth's Long Lost Fairy Tales. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including two Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Notable Book of the Year awards, and the 2020 Australian Fairy Tale Society Award for her outstanding contribution to Australian fairy tales. She is a secret cryptic crossword writer in her spare time. And of course, a Pratchett fan.
Dr Stephen B. Platt is a Perth-based author, playwright, academic, and improviser, with a PhD in Science Fiction in Theatre and Live Performance. He currently teaches at Murdoch University in Western Australia, lecturing in English, Theatre and Drama, Career Learning, and Public Speaking. Stephen is also an experienced and multi award-winning improv comedy artist, performing around Australia with groups including The Big HOO-HAA! and Improv RPG (winner of the FRINGEWORLD 2023 Comedy Award.) Stephen has written and directed several plays, including his debut work Thaw, the science-fiction radio-play series @lantis, and has co-writing credits for the award-winning Bogan Shakespeare series (winner of the FRINGEWORLD 2022 Comedy Award). Inner Demons is his debut novel.
We met Andrew at Virtual Hogswatch in 2021, and we talked about the new movie The Amazing Maurice that was coming out in 2022. This time we chat about the next movie: The Amazing Maurice - The Waters of Life, set to be released in 2027. (In case you missed the Virtual Hogswatch interview or would like a reminder, visit our YouTube channel.)
Photos: IMDB
Andrew Baker is an award-winning producer and executive producer known for his work on The Amazing Maurice, based on Sir Terry Pratchett's novel The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents.
Robert Chandler is an award-winning Creative Producer with a thirty year career in the entertainment industry. He co-produced The Amazing Maurice alongside Andrew Baker and Emely Christians.
Thank you to everyone who has already volunteered. Your offers are much appreciated.
The convention runs entirely on volunteers - including the committee. No experience? No problem. Most roles just need enthusiasm and the ability to point people in the right direction. You'll still need to buy a ticket to the convention, but you'll gain warm fuzzies, new friends, and possibly biscuits.
Help us make the magic happen - we can't do it without you!
Copyright © Paul Kidby
Many, many activities have been planned. If you'd like to see what we've already announced, visit the Events and Activities web page. Here's some new ones for you:
The dreaded Early Bird deadline strikes again. Even Hodgesaargh1 is scrambling. Don't panic - it's not yet on your doorstep, but it is approaching. Fast.
To be eligible for an upgrade at the Early Bird price, you must have purchased your supporting membership before the 9th of August 2025 and upgrade by the 31st January 2026.
Upgrades after 31st January 2026, but before 28th March 2026, must be a single payment to the Standard attending membership price, no matter when the supporting membership was originally purchased.
How does a witch tell time? With her witch watch!
What's a witch's favourite subject in school? Spelling!2
Why did the witch bring a ladder to the bar? Because she heard the drinks were on the house!3
OXFORD, UK: Terry Pratchett - A Trip on the Stage - a dramatisation by Stephen Briggs, will be staged at Abingdon's Unicorn Theatre, UK, 12 - 15 November 2025. Tickets are sold out, but you can find out information here.
BRISBANE: Wyrd Sisters will be performed by Brisbane Arts Theatre, from 13th to 22nd November 2025. The show is at the Stagehouse Theatre, Stafford, Qld. Tickets and more information can be found at the Brisbane Arts Theatre website.
ADELAIDE: City of Small Gods has regular monthly dinners and online crafty evenings and regular book discussions (next one: Carpe Jugulum - November 30, so start your re-read now!). Find out more and join us on Facebook, Email or Discord.
Our Annual General Meeting - and picnic - is coming up on 9th November, at Tusmore Park. Details via our various groups linked above.
VICTORIA: The Victorian Discworld Klatch has been having online movie nights and book discussions on their Discord channel, so why not join them for a bit of fun from your own living room? Find out more and join us on Facebook, Discord, or Meetup.
NSW: Western Drummers meet once a month in Western Sydney for dinner, a quiz, games and chitchat. And The Mended Drummers meet once a month in Sydney CBD for dinner, a quiz, and chitchat. Find out more and join us on Facebook..
More details about where and when a social club meets in your state can be found here.
Know something we don't? Do you have any news in the world of the Discworld? Know of an upcoming Discworld play, or a gathering of fans in your local area? If so, please share it with us, and we will share it with everybody.
Memberships for Nullus Anxietas X - Australian Discworld Convention - 10-12 April 2026 in Sydney, NSW, can be purchased here.
As always, if you'd like to volunteer at the convention, we'll need your help, no expertise required... Please fill out the volunteer form.
Wait... This is your first convention and you have no idea wot's wot? Go to the Newcomer's ABC for everything you didn't know you wanted to know, including a special playlist of special videos for you, special newcomers, made specially.
Until then, wotcha!
1 Hodgesaargh loves his birds of prey, but the Early Bird sometimes escapes him.
2 Tiffany loves words.
3 Especially if it involves a banananana dakry.
