Monster school opens in UK, US

Dot To Dot Productions’ School of Roars will include interactive elements

Children’s channels in the UK and US have acquired a forthcoming 2D animated preschool series featuring the voices of Kathy Burke (Gimme Gimme Gimme) and Sarah Lancashire (Happy Valley).

CBeebies in the UK and Sprout in the US will air School of Roars (52×7′), which was created by Alan Robinson at London-based producer Dot To Dot Productions.

ZDF Enterprises in Germany is handling worldwide distribution of the show, which is receiving further investment from EC-backed Creative Europe.

The series follows five mini monsters through their school day as they learn ‘monstery lessons’ in maths, music, cookery and life. The class is taught by a teacher played by Burke, who is joined in the series by Lancashire and narrator Andrew Scott (Sherlock).

The show will be supported by interactive elements including games apps, story apps and a website, according to Dot To Dot, which is producing the show from its studio in the UK.

“School of Roars is a unique and exciting property that will appeal to both children and their parents, as it not only educates but prepares children for school in a fun and engaging way,” said Jo Killingley, founder and executive producer at Dot To Dot.

“We’re sure our youngest viewers will be enchanted by the friendly school-based adventures, the bright design and the quirky humour, while parents may be surprised by the hugely talented stellar supporting cast,” said Kay Benbow, controller of CBeebies.