Advertising man and stage magician Norman Hunter first created his quintessential absent-minded professor in the 1930s, in a couple of well-loved children's books. He then took a 33-year break, reviving Branestawm in the 1970s when he knocked off a string of books of comically disastrous experiments, which became fixtures of the story-reading show Jackanory for a new generation.

Nothing much had changed: Branestawm still existed in a dreamy, madcap world where "doing science" meant blowing things up and it was understood that geniuses were exempt from normal behaviour, like dressing properly or remembering anything.

Now, science tends to mean computerised calculations and even landing a rocket on a comet does not exempt a chap from apologising for a dodgy shirt. In fact, not all scientists are even chaps. But we still have this idea - popularised by dramas like The Social Network or Sherlock - that no-one can be that clever and still be, well, "normal".

Charlie Higson, who revived another old franchise for the pre-teen set with his Young Bond books, has adapted Hunter's characters for a nostalgia-soaked family romp, nominally set in the 1930s but actually set in a delightfully artificial never-was.

Harry Hill makes his thespian debut as the eccentric academic, though it's more of a broad performance than actual acting. But he's surrounded by a capable, in-on-the-joke cast including Ben Miller, Simon Day, Vicki Pepperdine and Higson himself. A basically-modern little girl sidekick (Madeline Holliday) stands in for the hoped-for young audience, gleeful over bangs and mess but still, perhaps, getting hooked on science into the bargain.

Harry Hill interview

Harry Hill just loved his first straight acting role.

Harry Hill stars as Professor Theophilus Branestawm in an adaptation of Norman Hunter's classic books. He's an absent-minded inventor, prone to left-field mutterings, which makes him an easy target for local businessman Mr Bullimore (Ben Miller) and councillor Harold Haggerstone (David Mitchell), who want to eject him from the village of Great Pagwell. Assisted by schoolgirl Connie, best friend Colonel Dedshott (Simon Day) and housekeeper Mrs Flittersnoop (Vicki Pepperdine), will he prevail?

Harry Hill on catching the acting bug

Harry Hill has not had the best experience with acting in the past, as he would be the first to admit.

Harry Hill interview

'I made stink bombs and sold them at school!' says Professor Branestawm star Harry Hill.

Harry Hill: 'I don't see myself as an actor'

He's left the shirts with big collars at home but packed extra pairs of glasses for his first acting role.

First look at Harry Hill as Professor Branestawm

Here is Harry Hill in a role he was perhaps born to play: that of the eccentric inventor Professor Branestawm.

Charlie Higson: Let children experiment with explosives

Children should be encouraged to conduct explosive science experiments, free health and safety, the Young Bond novels writer and Fast Show creator Charlie Higson has argued. Harry Hill, who trained as a neurosurgeon and plays the Professor, said he hoped the drama, in which he defies an officious health and safety officer to demonstrate the excitement of madcap experiments to a young girl, will help boost interest in science among young people.

BBC comedy pilot lights up Wallingford's town hall

Fake smoke surrounded Wallingford's town hall during filming of a new BBC comedy, Professor Branestawm.