Apple Tree House
Apple Tree House is a television drama series produced by CBeebies for children under age 11. It is set on the fictitious Apple Tree House estate in London, and filmed in Bromley-by-Bow.[1] About a third of the population of this part of London is of Bangladeshi origin.[2]
History
This was originally proposed as an animation series by William Vanderpuye, Maria Timotheou and Akindele Akinsiku, who voiced the team in Rastamouse for CBeebies. It was inspired by their positive experiences growing up in East London.[2]
The first of 30 episodes was first broadcast on 22 May 2017.[1]
A second series has been commissioned.[2]
Cast
- Principal characters
- Mali, played by Aamir Tai
- Sam, played by Miranda Sarfo Peprah
- Bella, played by Summer Jenkins
- Zainab, played by Shaheen Khan
- Kobi, played by William Vanderpuye
- Flo, played by Alison Lintott
Critique
The program is a move away from the previous all white output, set in a markedly different environment. Topsy and Tim, based on the 1960s books by Jean and Gareth Adamson, is set in middle-class suburbia. Katie Morag takes place on a fictional Scottish island and featured a mainly white cast.[2]
References
- 1 2 Brooke, Mike (13 May 2017). "BBC films ‘Apple Tree House’ for CBeebies on Bromley-by-Bow housing estate". East London Advertiser. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
- 1 2 3 4 Slawson, Nicola (14 May 2017). "New CBeebies drama for preschoolers set on inner city council estate". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 May 2017.