Sixteen South’s new preschool animation set to air on Disney Junior this summer.
An outstanding roster of British actors are set to feature in Sixteen South’s new animated children’s series Claude, which launches on Disney Junior in the UK this summer. The diverse and talented voice cast sees Simon Callow CBE, Anne Reid MBE, Shane Richie, Jane Horrocks, Su Pollard, Brian Murphy, Tameka Empson and Bhasker Patel sign up to the exciting, new production.
Based on the much-loved, best-selling series of books by Alex T. Smith, Claude follows the humorous adventures of a little beret-clad dog, Claude, and his faithful sidekick, Sir Bobblysock, in the cosmopolitan seaside resort of Pawhaven – home to an eccentric mix of larger-than-life-characters and colourful visitors.
Claude is an exciting addition for Disney Junior, joining much-loved shows, such as Vampirina and Doc McStuffins, which invites parents to enjoy with their child the Disney experience of magical, musical, heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating specific learning and development themes, designed for preschoolers.
The hugely talented cast includes:
- Simon Callow CBE (Victoria & Abdul,The Man Who Invented Christmas,The Rebel) who plays raconteur sock, Sir Bobblysock
- Anne Reid MBE (Coronation Street, Dinnerladies, Last Tango in Halifax) is Dame Mumsie Turret
- Shane Richie (EastEnders) is lovable geezer and trader, Denzel Pedal
- Jane Horrocks (Ab Fab, Little Voice, Sunshine on Leith) plays both Highkick-Spinner dancer Kimberly and Claude’s owner, the very ‘Middle England’ Mrs Shinyshoes
- Su Pollard (Hi-De-Hi!, You Rang, M’Lord?) isglam ham actress Gloria Swoon
- Brian Murphy (George & Mildred) plays theatrical town baker Mr Lovelybuns
- Tameka Empson (EastEnders, 3 Non-Blondes) plays fun but fair policewoman PC Anne Cuffs
- Bhasker Patel (Emmerdale) is dithery cinema caretaker Gordon Flash
- Newcomer, 10-year-old Alexander Molony plays the eager and enthusiastic eponymous doggy hero, Claude
Simon Callow CBE said of his first ever role as a sock: “I just loved the character and the relationship between Claude and Sir Bobblysock. He’s very well written and the concept of the stories is very original. There’s a lovely innocence about the series, however it’s also odd and wacky. The characters are so vivid, funny and unexpected.”Shane Richie said: “Having young children, we’re already big fans of Disney and the kids constantly watch the shows at home. With such a wonderful cast involved in Claude, it was an honour to be asked to join the project. I’d love to live in Pawhaven – it’s like Walford – only with a constant rainbow over it!”
After enjoying working with Sixteen South on Lily’s Driftwood Bay, Jane Horrocks was happy to work with the studio again for Claude: “The characters are so colourful so you know you’re going to have a good time. What’s great about the series is there are jokes for kids and for parents too, which is always a bonus.”
Colin Williams, Creative Director, Sixteen South, said: “It’s so exciting to finally hear these brilliant illustrated characters come to life with our amazingly talented cast. They are filling Claude’s madcap adventures with a wonderful exuberance and fun that I’m sure will win the hearts of Disney Junior’s young viewers and their parents.”
Author-illustrator Alex T. Smith says: “I’m completely thrilled that Claude’s world is being brought to life by such an amazing group of actors. It’s a nervous moment, as an author, hearing the voices of characters who have lived in your head for over a decade but my every expectation has been surpassed.
“I’m so grateful to the creative team at Sixteen South for bringing together such a wonderful Claude cast and to the actors themselves for their dedication and talent.”
Aimed at established preschool children (aged 4-7), the 50 x 12’ series has been adapted for television by Sixteen South in a distinctive 2D hand-drawn style, bringing to life the unique visual style of Alex T. Smith’s original books, and will launch on Disney Junior in the UK this summer. Disney Junior Australia will launch the series on 12th February. A selection of shorts introducing the characters will air from 5th February.
Inspired by classic British comedy, such as the Carry On films, Are You Being Served? and Morecambe and Wise, Claude updates their essential essence to create witty, contemporary entertainment for today’s preschoolers.
The series has been devised for television and produced by Colin Williams, head written by Sara Daddy and directed by Tim Harper.
Claude will air on Disney Junior in all countries throughout Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australia later this year.