Teacup Travels

Teacup Travels
Great Aunt Lizzie's cottage
Genre	Drama
Developed by	Micky MacPherson Simon Parsons
Written by	Head Writer Polly Churchill
Directed by	Simon Hynd
Composer(s)	Rasmus Borowski Alexius Tschallener
Country of origin	United Kingdom
Original language(s)	English
No. of series	2
No. of episodes	45
Production
Executive producer(s)	Michael Towner (CBeebies) Julia Bond (CBeebies) Tina Foster (Plum Films) Jennifer Armitage (Creative Scotland)
Producer(s)	Micky MacPherson Simon Parsons
Cinematography	Malcolm McLean
Running time	15 minutes
Production company(s)	Plum Films
External links
Teacup Travels
Plum Films

Teacup Travels is a British children’s drama TV series. The show was created and produced for CBeebies by Plum Films with support from Creative Scotland.

The concept of the series is historical fiction for young children, incorporating genuine historical artefacts into dramatic adventure stories. At the time of filming, all the artefacts featured in the show were held in museum collections around the UK.

Concept

Great Aunt Lizzie tells wonderful tales of adventure to entertain her young visitors, Charlotte, Lokesh and Elliot. When either one arrives at the house she offers them a cup of tea, but first they have to choose a teacup from her vast collection which she keeps locked away in an enormous dresser in the kitchen. Each cup is unique and illustrated with one of the museum artefacts. As their Great Aunt begins to tell its story, the young guest begins to imagine being there as the tale unfolds.

Kay Benbow, Director of Children’s Television, 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 [and Elliot] to discover more about what life was like thousands of years ago.”^[1]

Key cast

Gemma Jones as Great Aunt Lizzie
Evie Brassington as Charlotte
Kemaal Deen Ellis as Lokesh
Roderick Gilkison as Elliot

Series one

The stories in series one sees Charlotte and her brother Elliot have epic adventures in Ancient Rome, Imperial China, Ancient Egypt and the pre-medieval Celtic lands, spanning a period from 2500 BCE to 1850 CE. It began transmission on 9 February 2015 for a run of 25x15 minute episodes, with these still being repeated on iPlayer.

*List of episodes in series one* Episode 1: Spectacles - (Original Air Date: February 9, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Adventure of the Expensive Spectacles: An artist in Imperial China with poor eyesight can't afford the spectacles he needs. Charlotte goes on an epic quest to find a pair for him. Associated Museum: British Optical Association Museum Episode 2: Thimble - (Original Air Date: February 10, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Elliot and the Adventure of the Brass Thimble: A seamstress needs her special thimble to sew a Celtic warrior queen into her armour. Associated Museum: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery Episode 3: Mortarium - (Original Air Date: February 11, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Adventure of the Magnificent Mortarium: A monk in Ancient Rome is running out of time to prep a special meal for the priests. Associated Museum: Dumfries Museum Episode 4: Mirror - (Original Air Date: February 12, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Elliot and the Adventure of the Glassless Mirror: An Ancient Egyptian sees his reflection and thinks his chance of marriage is over. Associated Museum: National Museum of Scotland Episode 5: Tiger Tally - (Original Air Date: February 13, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Adventure of the Tiger Tally Mix-Up: A guard in Imperial China mistakes Charlotte for the doctor who must heal the Empress. Associated Museum: Durham University Oriental Museum Episode 6: Scales - (Original Air Date: February 16, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Elliot and the Adventure of the Roman Scales: An apple juice vendor in Ancient Rome has trouble recreating the secret family recipe. Associated Museum: British Museum Episode 7: Headrest - (Original Air Date: February 17, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Adventure of the Ancient Headrest: A wealthy Ancient Egyptian is shocked to discover that sleeping will ruin his new hairdo. Associated Museum: Swansea Museum Episode 8: Lucky Horse - (Original Air Date: February 18, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Elliot and The Adventure of The Lucky Horse: A medical student in Imperial China thinks his skills depend on a good luck charm. Associated Museum: Durham University Oriental Museum Episode 9: Amphora - (Original Air Date: February 19, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Adventure of the Roman Amphora: A muddled merchant in Ancient Rome mixes up an important order on her first day at work. Associated Museum: Royal Albert Memorial Museum Episode 10: Brooch - (Original Air Date: February 20, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Elliot and the Adventure of the Bronze Brooch: A young Celtic blacksmith loses a valuable piece of jewellery he had made for his mum. Associated Museum: The Dick Institute Episode 11: Brick Mould - (Original Air Date: February 23, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Adventure of the Wooden Mould: A brick maker in Ancient Egypt needs a new mould before the Pharoah's architect arrives. Associated Museum: Manchester Museum Episode 12: Abacus - (Original Air Date: February 24, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Elliot and the Adventure of the Amazing Abacus: An old woman in Imperial China needs a better way to keep count of the villagers' savings. Elliot goes on an epic quest to find an abacus. Associated Museum: Durham University Oriental Museum Episode 13: Key Ring - (Original Air Date: February 25, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Adventure of the Lost Key Ring: A baker in Ancient Rome accidentally bakes his key-ring into a batch of bread loaves. Associated Museum: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Episode 14: Sandals - (Original Air Date: February 25, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Elliot and the Adventure of the Ragged Sandals: A cobbler in Ancient Egypt is unable to mend sandals after a mix-up with a paper-maker. Associated Museum: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Episode 15: Merchant's Ring - (Original Air Date: February 27, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Adventure of the Merchant's Ring: A pair of bumbling merchants run into some trouble when they cannot prove their identity. Associated Museum: Dumfries Museum Episode 16: Snake Bracelet - (Original Air Date: March 2, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Elliot and the Adventure of the Roman Snake Bracelet: A woman in Ancient Rome needs Elliot's help to be reunited with her long-lost mother. Associated Museum: Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery Episode 17: Wooden Horse - (Original Air Date: March 3, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Adventure of the Wooden Horse: A carpenter in Ancient Egypt doesn't believe children will like the toys she makes. Associated Museum: Manchester Museum Episode 18: Seal Matrix - (Original Air Date: March 4, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Adventure of the Expensive Spectacles: An artist in Imperial China with poor eyesight can't afford the spectacles he needs. Associated Museum: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery Episode 19: Jade Flute - (Original Air Date: March 5, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Adventure of the Jade Flute: A prince in Imperial China gives up playing the flute after his best friend is sent far away. Associated Museum: Durham University Oriental Museum Episode 20: Inkwell - (Original Air Date: March 6, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Elliot and the Adventure of the Inkwell and the Soldier: A soldier in Ancient Rome needs a way to keep in touch with his mum while he is away. Associated Museum: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Episode 21: Key - (Original Air Date: March 9, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Adventure of the Small Bronze Key: A penniless brother and sister must work together to unearth a hidden box of treasures. Associated Museum: Stranraer Museum Episode 22: Moon Fan - (Original Air Date: March 10, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Elliot and the Adventure of the Chinese Moon Fan: An Imperial Chinese trader has trouble selling her moon fans until she makes a new friend. Associated Museum: Durham University Oriental Museum Episode 23: Lamp - (Original Air Date: March 11, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Adventure of the Roman Lamp: A servant in Ancient Rome must replace her broken oil lamp before it gets dark. Associated Museum: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Episode 24: Scarab Necklace - (Original Air Date: March 12, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Elliot and the Adventure of the Flying Scarab Necklace: A young woman in Ancient Egypt breaks a precious necklace her mother gave her. Associated Museum: Ulster Museum Episode 25: Armlet - (Original Air Date: March 13, 2015) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Adventure of the Warrior's Armlet: A great Celtic warrior is to be presented a rare treasure but fetching it is a challenge. Associated Museum: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Series Two

The second series sees Charlotte and her cousin Lokesh explore Edo Japan, Ancient Greece, the Mayan Empire, and the Viking Lands. The transmission for series 2 is split with the first 10 Episodes premiering November 28th 2016, and the remaining 10 in early 2017.

*List of episodes in series two* Episode 1: Dragon - (Original Air Date: November 28, 2016) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Wise Dragon. An armourer’s apprentice needs more silk to finish his iron dragon." Associated Museum: Manchester Museum Episode 2: Comedy Mask - (Original Air Date: November 29, 2016) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Lokesh and the Greek Comedy Mask. Lokesh delivers a gift to a Greek Actor on behalf of a busy mask maker. Associated Museum: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Episode 3: Cowrie Shells - (Original Air Date: November 30, 2016) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Cowrie Shells. A woman awaiting her brother’s return makes an offering to the Goddesses. Associated Museum: Jorvik Viking Centre Episode 4: Vase - (Original Air Date: December 1, 2016) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Lokesh and the Mayan Vase. An Emperor is to ascend the throne and wants to have his favourite hot drink. Associated Museum: The British Museum Episode 5: Pig Rattle - (Original Air Date: December 2, 2016) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Pig Rattle. Two new Grandparents find themselves in double trouble when they only have one rattle between two babies! Associated Museum: Swansea Museum Episode 6: Print Block - (Original Air Date: December 5, 2016) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Lokesh & the Printer’s Block. Lokesh meets a man who needs to find a gift but only has a piece of cherry wood in his possession. Associated Museum: The Victoria and Albert Museum Episode 7: Ear Ornament - (Original Air Date: December 6, 2016) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte and the Ear Ornament. Charlotte meets a Mathematician who has forgotten a special birthday! Associated Museum: The British Museum Episode 8: Boat Rivets - (Original Air Date: December 7, 2016) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Lokesh and the Boat Rivets. A boat builder and a Viking swap jobs, but the Viking runs out of rivets! Associated Museum: National Museum of Scotland Episode 9: Inro - (Original Air Date: December 8, 2016) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Charlotte & the Inro. A mix-up at the market causes trouble for a writer & chef when they swap inro. Associated Museum: Oriental Museum Episode 10: Discus - (Original Air Date: December 9, 2016) Summary: Great Aunt Lizzie tells the story of Lokesh & the Discus. Exoidas lacks confidence ahead of a competition and needs reminding of his success. Associated Museum: The British Museum

Production

Development

The creative team Micky MacPherson, Tony Bibby and Simon Parsons had backgrounds in TV commercial production, advertising, and children’s TV. Parsons and MacPherson began experimenting with illustrated sets when they collaborated with director Simon Hynd on a short film called Meat the Campbells in 2005. The new team came together in 2011, taking inspiration from Bibby's real aunt whom he used to visit in Liverpool as a child,^[2] and added the extra dimension of genuine history. Plum Film's Production Executive, Tina Foster, was also involved from early development through to series, as was Becky Lloyd - Plum Film's Development Officer. Both series were directed by Simon Hynd, and in series 2 director Morag McKinnon directed the episodes regarding the Mayan Empire. Digital Production Designer, John Gosler, illustrated and directed the artwork, and Chlidren's Television Writer Polly Churchill was Head Writer for both series, overseeing all 45 episodes.

A key, addition to the team was Production Designer Leslie Dilley, a double Academy Award Winner for Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark.^[3]

Museum involvement

A key element of the show is its involvement with museums across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom. Plum Films consulted museums at key stages of production to ensure that the real artefacts that inspired Great Aunt Lizzie's stories reflected its core truths. Where possible, Plum Films representatives visited the museum to capture the dimensions and likeness of the object to be featured in the show. This aided the prop makers to replicate the prop, which would then be presented to each associated museum's curator for notes and approval. Similarly, script outlines were shared with each associated museum to give the all clear that the episode represented a satisfactory representation of their piece.^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7]

*List of associated museums* Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery British Museum British Optical Association Museum The Dick Institute Dumfries Museum Durham University Oriental Museum Fitzwilliam Museum Inverness Museum and Art Gallery Jorvik Viking Centre Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Manchester Museum Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge National Museum of Scotland Norwich Castle Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery Royal Albert Memorial Museum Stranraer Museum Swansea Museum Ulster Museum Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology The Victoria and Albert Museum The Whithorn Trust

Filming

The TV show is a combination of full live action for the prologue and epilogue scenes in Great Aunt Lizzie’s house, and live action filmed against green screen then composited with colour saturated 2^½d illustrated backgrounds for the story world.

Locations

Filmed entirely in Scotland with funding from the BBC and Creative Scotland, the sets were created in Loretto School, Musselburgh, while outdoor scenes featuring Great Aunt Lizzie's iconic cottage were filmed at the Head Gardener’s Cottage in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh.^[8]

Distribution (Non UK)

The first series of Teacup Travels was shown in Australia on ABC Kids in the summer of 2016. The show has reached Number 1 in the ratings and continues to be repeated on the channel.

Composers for Teacup Travels: Rasmus Borowski (on the left) and Alexius Tschallener (on the right)

Music

The soundtrack for the series was composed by Rasmus Borowski and Alexius Tschallener. The score was recorded live in Prague, Czech Republic, with the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra with Nic Raine conducting.

Reception

Ratings

In its debut week of 9 February 2015, the show placed three times in the top 10 viewed shows on CBeebies, peaking at 561,000 viewers.^[9]

Award Nominations

The first series of Teacup Travels had received various nominations - British and Abroad.

BAFTA Scotland (2015 ) - CHILDREN'S PROGRAMME
Broadcast Awards (2016) - Best Pre-School Programme 2015
Celtic Media Festivall (2016) - Children's Programme
Prix Jeunesse (2016) - Children's Fiction, 6 years and under

References

External links

Teacup Travels at the Internet Movie Database
Cbeebies web page
Website of composer Rasmus Borowski

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 12/1/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.