CRONGTON: BBC ANNOUNCES NEW CHILDREN'S COMEDY DRAMA FOR iPLAYER

BBC Children’s announces a new commission, Crongton, from leading drama production company New Pictures (an All3Media Company), in association with All3Media International.

The ten-part returning series, aimed at a 10-12 audience, is written by the award-winning writer and comedian Archie Maddocks, and based on the best-selling novels by Alex Wheatle.

Crongton (10 x 25’) chronicles the lives and journeys of a group of young people living in a thriving, multicultural community in a fictional urban housing estate, as they navigate the complexities of social politics, peer pressure and identity while trying to forge a place for themselves within a world full of possibility and littered with danger.

Shot through with irreverent humour and featuring animated fantasy sequences, it’s a joyful, energetic ride through the trials and tribulations of growing up, a celebration of the kind of community you only find on an estate, and a look at how you come to terms with the darkness of the world around you when you’re on the cusp of childhood and adulthood.

Archie Maddocks says: “Reading Alex Wheatle’s books, I was struck by how much the characters and their world reflect my own upbringing. They were just like me and my friends; I could have known them all. Crongton is a project that has been close to my heart for a very long time and, like many, many fans of the novels, I can’t wait to finally see the transformation of Alex’s amazing world from the page to the screen.”

Willow Grylls, Co-Founder and CEO, and Imogen O’Sullivan, Executive Producer, both for New Pictures says: “Alex Wheatle’s Crongton books are modern classics, and well-thumbed staples in classrooms across the country...

"They offer a picture of a diverse, chaotic, funny, and joyful British experience with so much to say to young people, and particularly young people from less well represented backgrounds...

"Our aim with this television adaptation of Crongton is to charm not just young people, but everyone young at heart in a visually distinctive, uniquely British series, with real cultural importance, and wide international appeal. We’re very proud to be playing a part in helping bring the stories of Liccle Bit, Venetia, and the gang to the widest audience possible.”

Amy Buscombe, Commissioning Editor for BBC Children’s adds: “With more screen choice than ever before it’s vital that young people see their lives and the issues they face represented on TV. This commission will bring the characters and stories from Crongton to a whole new audience on BBC iPlayer in what will be a high quality and creative drama.”

Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Children’s Commissioning 7+ says: “I love the books and the characters, they are so authentic and remind me of where I grew up and went to school in London. I just know this will be must-see family viewing.”

More details will be announced in due course.