Teacup Travels takes CBeebies viewers on voyage of discovery
Kay Benbow, Controller of CBeebies, has announced today that she is bringing a new factual adventure series to the channel. Teacup Travels, which will be produced by Plum Films, is a fascinating series, which will introduce young children to ancient history and archaeology through a series of adventures, seen through the eyes of a six-year-old girl.
Published: 7 February 2014
This is a first for CBeebies to bring ancient history and archaeology to our young audience. The series combines story telling with high adventure in a way that will inspire and encourage children to want to learn more about life in ancient times. I think children will love going on the adventures with Charlotte to discover more about what life was like thousands of years ago."
Each episode of Teacup Travels (25x15-min) centres around the relationship between an intelligent and inquisitive child called Charlotte and her Great Aunt Lizzie. Great Aunt Lizzie is an enigmatic and mysterious woman, who claims to have been an archeologist for more years than anyone can remember and is full of tales of adventure and intrigue that captivate Charlotte.
Charlotte loves to visit Lizzie and is fascinated by her collection of illustrated teacups. On each visit Charlotte chooses a different teacup, each decorated with an interesting historical item. It's this item that provides Lizzie with the inspiration for her story and, as she tells her tale, Charlotte imagines herself setting off in her Great Aunt’s archeological footsteps to discover the item for real.
Teacup Travels will use CGI and green screen technology to take Charlotte on her journey where she will learn about a variety of ancient artefacts such as a 3000-year-old Egyptian mirror from the time of the new kingdom. On return to the present time and back in Great Aunt Lizzie’s home, Charlotte is amazed to find that the object she discovered on her travels is displayed in Lizzie’s house!
Visitors to the website will discover that every object featured in the series is real and can be found in a museum in the United Kingdom.
Kay Benbow said: “This is a first for Cbeebies to bring ancient history and archaeology to our young audience. The series combines story telling with high adventure in a way that will inspire and encourage children to want to learn more about life in ancient times. I think children will love going on the adventures with Charlotte to discover more about what life was like thousands of years ago.”
Simon Parsons, Plum Films, said: “Although Teacup Travels takes kids on a ride through historic landscapes, complete with Roman temples, pyramids and a Great Wall of China, at its heart is the chance to discover ancient objects and learn about the people who used them. We are working with museums around the UK to ensure objects from the stories will be on permanent display where the audience will be able to visit them. Learning through adventure, what could be better than that?”
Teacup Travels will be executive produced by Michael Towner for CBeebies and Simon Parsons and Micky MacPherson for Plum Films and will be shown on CBeebies in early 2015. The series is supported through Creative Scotland.
Notes to Editors
Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland is the national organisation that funds and supports the development of Scotland’s arts, screen and creative industries. Creative Scotland has four objectives: to develop and sustain a thriving environment for the arts, screen and creative industries; to support excellence in artistic and creative practice; to improve access to and participation in, arts and creative activity; and to deliver our services efficiently and effectively. In 2013/14 we will distribute over £100m in funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery. For further information on Creative Scotland please visit www.creativescotland.com. Follow us @creativescots and www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland
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