BBC Children’s Commissions Crongton

BBC Children’s has commissioned Crongton, an adaptation of Alex Wheatle’s best-selling books, from New Pictures, in association with All3Media International, for BBC iPlayer.

Aimed at a 10 to 12 audience, the series will chronicle the lives of a group of young people living in a multicultural urban housing estate as they navigate the complexities of social politics, peer pressure and identity while forging a place for themselves in the world. Archie Maddocks is penning the adaptation.

Crongton is being produced by Joanna Hanley (Phoenix Rise) and directed by Ethosheia Hylton (Boarders). Alongside Maddocks, episodic writers include Athena Kugblenu (Horrible Histories), Thara Popoola (Sex Education), Willow Mirza (A Town Called Malice), with story contributions from Wheatle, Haleema Mirza (Secret Invasion) Cherish Shirley (Everything I Know About Love). All3Media International holds the exclusive worldwide distribution rights.

“Reading Alex Wheatle’s books, I was struck by how much the characters and their world reflect my own upbringing,” Maddocks said. “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 of New Pictures, and Imogen O’Sullivan, executive producer, commented, “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.”

“With more screen choice than ever before, it’s vital that young people see their lives and the issues they face represented on TV,” noted Amy Buscombe, commissioning editor for BBC Children’s. “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.”