Beano Studios is teaming up with award-winning production company Selladoor to create an all new musical stage production based on hit TV show Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed!
The family friendly show, which is being developed by Selladoor – the company behind hits including Madagascar the Musical and Avenue Q - will launch in 2020 on a year-long tour of 40+ theatres and venues across the UK and Ireland.
BAFTA-winning writer/producer-director Will Brenton is on board to write the show which will feature Dennis and Gnasher’s hallmark slapstick comedy and ageless humour delivered with a repertoire of songs.
The stage production follows on from the success of Beano Studios’ international Emmy-nominated TV series Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed! The TV show stars Beano’s irrepressible hero Dennis (voiced by Freddie Fox), his dogged side kick Gnasher and fearless mates including Rubi, JJ, Pieface and his pet potato Paul. Together they cook up crazy plans, get in all sorts of scrapes and take on every challenge, no matter how big.
The hit TV show recently secured its second series (52 x 11min episodes) on CBBC and has been sold in over 24 countries and airs on the biggest broadcasters including Super RTL in Germany, Rai in Italy and France Télévision to name a few.
Emma Scott, CEO of Beano Studios said: “Following the success of Dennis & Gnasher Unleashed around the world, bringing our gang to life on stage is the perfect next step. Selladoor are the ideal team to take on the exciting challenge of bringing the iconic characters to life in a show to entertain all ages.”
David Hutchinson, CEO of Selladoor said: “Selladoor are delighted to be working with Beano Studios to bring the iconic Dennis and Gnasher to the stage for the first time with a really exciting creative team, led by Will Brenton under Anna Fox’s dramaturgical eye.
Selladoor recently launched Selladoor Creation, our development wing focused entirely on commissioning new stories for the stage. We are delighted to have been entrusted by Beano Studios with their well-loved characters who have endured for generations, and now finally leap from the page to the stage. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring one of the Nation’s favourite rebels to life so everyone can join in on the mischief and adventures. Keep your eyes peeled for Dennis and the gang hitting a theatre near you!”
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Notes to Editors:
Credits:
Will Brenton – Writer and Director
Anna Fox – Head of New Work, Selladoor Creation, Dramaturg
About Beano Studios:
Beano Studios is a rebellious content business, driven by insight and data, which creates, curates and delivers entertainment for kids of all ages worldwide. The Studio produces diverse entertainment across multiple destinations; including TV, digital content, theatrical projects, consumer products, plus the legendary comic and annual.
The award-winning Beano.com is the UK’s fastest growing kid’s entertainment site, with 5M monthly reach across the Beano network.
Beano Studios’ International Emmy nominated Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed! was CBBC’s highest rated animation at launch. In 2018 SO Beano!, a presenter-led entertainment show inspired by the hottest trends and most loved content on Beano.com, launched on Sky Kids.
Keep up to date with Beano:
Instagram: @BeanoOfficial
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Facebook: @BeanoOfficial
About Selladoor Worldwide
Selladoor Worldwide began its life in 2009 as Sell a Door Theatre Company and has gone on to develop rapidly under co-founders David Hutchinson (Executive Creative Producer) and Phillip Rowntree (Executive Commercial Producer). The company has become an integral part of the regional theatre landscape in the UK and Ireland, and increasingly on an international platform, establishing itself as a leading producer of mid and large-scale touring theatre.
Facebook: @SelladoorTheatre
Twitter: @Sell_A_Door
About Will Breton
Will is a writer/producer-director who has worked in many areas of television and theatre, primarily through his companies Tell-Tale productions and Wish Films, both of which he founded with Iain Lauchlan. Together they gained six BAFTA nominations and won a 2000 BAFTA, Best Pre-School Live Action. Will’s many credits include the Tweenies, Fun Song Factory, Boo! and BB3B! Later. He co-wrote and directed the Dr Who live tour and 'The Monsters Are Coming' starring Nigel Planer. He has also written children’s books including Claude and Elephant White.