Category Archives: Live

Paddington immersive experience heads to Dalkeith Country Park

Posted on by

This summer, families are invited to take part in an immersive Paddington adventure, Marmalade Messiness, at Dalkeith Country Park, Scotland.  

Created by Histrionic Productions – the team behind acclaimed immersive adventure Autumn Treasure Hunt with Percy The Park Keeper at Chiswick House & Gardens and The Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure – a live immersive experience at Blenheim Palace this summer, Paddington Marmalade Messiness – the immersive adventure opens on July 13 2022, and runs throughout the school summer holidays until Monday 4 September 2022.

Mrs Bird has brought Paddington and his friend Pigeonton to Dalkeith Palace to show them where the best marmalade is made. Her old friend from school is the Palace Cook and has promised to give Mrs Bird a tour of the Palace kitchens. However, things have gone awry. Mrs Bird can’t seem to find Paddington in the Palace grounds and desperately needs help to find him.

On this unique adventure, visitors will explore Dalkeith Country Park locating pawprints, half-eaten marmalade sandwiches and other clues, meeting characters from the famous stories – played by actors and puppeteers – on a mission to help locate Paddington. The Marmalade Messiness immersive adventure takes audiences through the Dalkeith Country Park grounds and into the Palace kitchen exploring the treehouse and river along the way. 

At the end of this 50-minute adventure, free arts and crafts-based activities and a café, serving both marmalade and non-marmalade-based delights, will await explorers in need of a tasty treat. 

Marmalade Messiness has been created by Sean Holmes (Associate Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe, previously Artistic Director of the Lyric Hammersmith) and Jon Bauser (Designer 2012 Paralympic Games opening ceremony, associate artist Royal Shakespeare Company), and is directed by Bethany West (Shakespeare’s Globe, Royal Court London, Bristol Old Vic) with Puppetry by Jimmy Grimes (The Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure, War Horse, The One Hundred and One Dalmatians).

For further information visit www.PaddingtonMarmaladeMessiness.com

Immersive Everywhere announces expansion and new hires

Posted on by

The directors of Immersive Everywhere have announced expansion with three new hires: Rich Major joins in July as Group Sales & Marketing Director, Neil Connolly has taken up the post of Creative Director, and Tom Roe has come on board as Head of Global Licensing.

Immersive Everywhere works with world-famous titles to create live theatrical experiences, and also operates the UK’s first dedicated immersive theatre venue, IMMERSIVE|LDN in Mayfair, London, where the UK’s longest running immersive show, The Great Gatsby, is currently playing.

The partnership between Olivier Award-winning theatre producers Louis Hartshorn and Brian Hook (Hartshorn – Hook Enterprises) and Showtime Theatre Productions’ Mark Hurry, Elliot Hargreaves and Mark Hargreaves, opened its inaugural production, Doctor Who: Time Fracture, in Spring 2021, and will be opening Peaky Blinders: The Rise in July 2022. Future projects include the return of Olivier Award-nominated The Choir of Man, the US launch of The Great Gatsby and immersive events featuring major global IP, details of which will be announced later this year.

Rich Major is a technically and commercially minded live entertainment specialist with over 20 years’ experience gained within producers’ offices, venues, marketing agencies and ticket companies. After launching ticketing technology company Ingresso, most recently he has led the build of the theatre and visitor attractions business at See Tickets, while also focusing on growing and developing an industry leading groups, education, travel trade and affiliate programme.

Neil Connolly is a creative leader of design and production teams focused on development, production and installation of live theatre, entertainment, multi-media and attractions for the themed entertainment industry worldwide. In a distinguished career spanning 18 years, Neil has brought passion to every facet of themed entertainment in the creative direction, development and production of attractions such as The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, Tomb Raider The Live Experience & Chaos Karts, an AR GoKart real-life battle.

Neil is currently working with Immersive Everywhere on creative development of show and attraction content for projects across the U.K, Europe, North America and Asia.

Tom Roe is a brand licensing professional with over 20 years of experience in the sector. He has worked for leading media and licensing companies including ITV, IMG, CPLG and most recently DHX Media/Wildbrain, where he headed up the commercial licensing business on a global scale for five years.

Tom has a wealth of experience across all major brand areas, in particular Entertainment and Sports IP, and has operated as a brand owner, brand licensing agent, and now licensee. As well as bringing in new leading IP, Tom is also overseeing the licensing of Immersive Everywhere’s shows into new territories.

Rich Major says: “I’ve worked with the emerging immersive and location-based experience economy in my role at See Tickets and have been hugely inspired by the creativity, support, imagination and commercial drive on display in this fast-growing sector.

“Immersive Everywhere are leaders in the field, constantly innovating technically while delivering high-quality, engaging events with real heart and humour. They deliver an amazing experience for audiences regardless of how engaged they are in the immersive style. This isn’t purist work, it’s unashamedly and proudly populist. In my role at Immersive Everywhere, I’ll be devising and directing a global marketing and CRM programme and leading on sales and ticketing strategy, audience development and data insight across an international live portfolio of world class IP – I can’t wait to get started!”

“Our expansion is bringing some of the brightest minds in our industry together,” says Brian Hook, Chief Creative Officer of Immersive Everywhere. “Rich Major joins us from a prolific career at See Tickets, bringing expert commercial strategy, direction and heading up their formidable ticketing operation. Neil brings his unique brand of exceptional creative talent from Little Lion Entertainment (Crystal Maze, Tomb Raider, Khaos Karts), and Tom joins us from an exemplary career in licencing – this team will drive our ambition to be at the top table with some of the most exciting brands in the world and placing our current shows in new and exciting homes across the UK, and delivering our work to local partners in many territories. As the immersive sector expands, Immersive Everywhere will be at the forefront for many years to come.”

IMMERSIVE | LDN is a 32,000sq ft historic building in the heart of Mayfair, which was home to the Queen Victoria’s Rifles Association until 2017. It includes three floors of immersive theatre and event spaces designated for performance, live gaming, events, escape rooms and private parties. For information about programming and venue hire visit www.immersiveldn.com

Boat Rocker’s ‘Dino Ranch’ roars onto the live stage

Posted on by

Independent integrated global entertainment company Boat Rocker has signed deals with leading live entertainment producers Fierylight and Terrapin Station Entertainment to bring a stage version of its top-rated preschool show Dino Ranch to theatres across North America and the UK and Eire. 

A unique mix of two favourite preschool passions – dinosaurs and ranchers – Dino Ranch has been a monster hit since launching in January 2021 on Disney Junior, Disney Now and subsequently on Disney+ in the U.S. and the UK. The show also hit the screen on Tiny Pop last month and now fans can expect to experience the thrilling adventures of ranch life on-stage in a fast-paced, exciting live show. 

Expected to launch in 2023, Fierylight and Terrapin Station Entertainment – a division of Sony Music Entertainment – are combining forces to produce the show for the U.S. and Canadian markets followed by the UK and Eire.  The companies each have vast experience producing and directing top rated family-centric events and are at the forefront of helping to bring live experiences back to the world.  The script is being written by acclaimed writers Richard and Matt Lewis and the tour will be booked in North America by Mario Tirado at CAA. 

Kate Schlomann, EVP Brand Management & Content Marketing, Boat Rocker, says: “We are delighted to partner up with Fierylight and Terrapin Station, two market leaders in producing exciting and engaging live family shows. We are working closely with them to create a thrilling experience that reflects the values of Dino Ranch – a strong family bond, teamwork, diversity, friendship and of course exciting Dino-driven adventures in the great outdoors – and will allow fans to engage even more closely with their favourite show.”

Richard Lewis, Fierylight CEO, says: “We absolutely love Dino Ranch’s unique and imaginative mix of dinosaurs and ranchers and can’t wait to get to work with Boat Rocker to recreate its free-range, roping ’n’ riding, dinosaur-driven fun on stage. It’s going to make for a really fresh and exciting show, with lots of audience participation that will ensure it’s unlike anything else out there.”

Jonathan Shank, Terrapin Station Entertainment CEO and tour producer, adds: “Dino Ranch has all the elements to be as huge a hit on stage as it is on screen – a great cast, with the wonderful characters in the Cassidy family and of course their amazing Dino buddies; a fabulous ranch setting; fast-paced, fun adventure stories to thrill its young audience and, most importantly, a connection with the audience. We look forward to producing an epic interactive experience for the whole family to enjoy.”

Dino Ranch premiered in January on CBC and CBC Gem (Canada) and on Disney Junior and DisneyNOW in the U.S., launching as the #1 U.S. cable series among Kids 2-5, and has continued to be a ratings smash hit since launch. The series debuted in the UK and Australia on Disney+ in April 2021 and has rolled out internationally in other territories across the year. A second series is currently in production and Dino Ranch is due to ride back onto Disney channels in the US and LatAm in 2022 and internationally in 2023.

Dino Ranch is produced by Boat Rocker Studios and Industrial Brothers and created by Creative Director and Co-Founder of Industrial Brothers, Matthew Fernandes. Boat Rocker manages the global content distribution and consumer products programme for the franchise. 

Histrionic Productions to take Peter Rabbit immersive experience on the road

Posted on by

Continuing the 120th birthday celebrations for Beatrix Potter’s beloved Peter Rabbit, Histrionic Productions has partnered with The World of Peter Rabbit – developed under licence from Penguin Ventures on behalf of Frederick Warne & Co. (brand owners and part of Penguin Random House UK) – for at least two years of live immersive experiences across the UK.

Histrionic Productions, the company behind last year’s acclaimed pilot event ‘Autumn Treasure Hunt with Percy The Park Keeper’ at Chiswick House & Gardens and the upcoming ‘Paddington Marmalade Messiness’ in Dalkeith Country Park, opened bookings for its ‘Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure – a live immersive experience’ on 19 May, and will open to guests from 6 July–3 September 2022 at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

Families attending the event are encouraged to help rescue Peter Rabbit from ending up in Mr McGregor’s rabbit pie. This is the first time Peter Rabbit has appeared live in a walled garden in this way, and also marks a first for World Heritage Site Blenheim Palace, which has allowed unprecedented access to areas of the estate.

The multi-year deal allows Histrionic Productions to tour The Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure experience across the UK, bringing Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and other beloved characters to various locations, providing innovative entertainment for adults and children alike.

Adam McKenzie Wylie, founder, Histrionic Productions, says: “We are honoured to be the first company to unveil the magic of Beatrix Potter, live in a beautiful walled garden setting, and Blenheim Palace provides the perfect backdrop to launch our new immersive experience in this special anniversary year. We expect families will be captivated by both the live performance and the beautiful set pieces as they literally hop into the pages of this classic family tale.”

 ​​Thomas Merrington, Creative Director Penguin Ventures, says: “We are so excited to be bringing The World of Peter Rabbit to life in an outdoor setting with Histrionic Productions during the 120th birthday year of Peter Rabbit. What better location to launch than the beautiful grounds of Blenheim Palace. Families will be able to engage with the characters in the natural world, as Beatrix herself would have first imagined them. This is a wonderful extension of our Grow With Peter Rabbit birthday campaign, which celebrates the importance of gardens and spending time in nature.”

For tickets, visit peterrabbitgardenadventure.com 

Brands & Retail UK summer conference to wrap up with ‘Meet the Buyers’ Networking Party

Posted on by

Ryan Beaird, Event Director of Brands & Retail UK, has announced a new format for the summer conference taking place at the British Library (London) on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 July 2022.

The ‘Meet the Buyers’ Networking Party – sponsored by Fabacus – is a speed networking ticket event closing the conference on Day Two (5pm onwards, 7 July).

“After many discussions with retailers it became apparent they want to see as many licensees and brands as possible at events, and if their buying teams are small they can struggle to catch up with everyone.

“Based on the research, we have re-worked the closing party to give retailers VIP booths in the atrium of the British Library terrace so they can meet the audience in 10-minute informal speed networking meetings.

“Canapes and drinks will be served to their tables, giving them a VIP experience. The brands taking part and the licensees that are attending the conference will now get the chance to catch up with major retailers one-to-one… a perfect way to end the summer conference.”

Buying teams that have signed up for VIP booths so far include Tesco, ASDA, Boots, Character.com, ebay and Toys”R”Us.

Brands & Retail UK are also delighted to announce Fabacus are once again exclusive sponsors of the summer conference.

Andrew Xeni, CEO of Fabacus, says: “After an incredible debut conference this February, Fabacus are delighted to again be sponsoring such an important event in the licensing calendar that brings all parties in the industry together, offering licensees and retailers the chance to see upcoming plans of some of the best-known brands in the market.

“The summit aligns perfectly with our mission to facilitate deeper connectivity, visibility and trust across the value chain, as we are enabling partnerships to be based on a foundation of accurate master data and insight.

“We’re looking forward to connecting with a number of client partners we’re already working alongside, as well as using this opportunity as sponsors to meet new faces to showcase our technology, its benefits, and how we’re committed to transforming brand licensing through the power of data.”

There are only six 15-minute pitching slots left for Day One (6 July) for Lifestyle, Commercial, Heritage, Charity and Sports brands, and only three 15-minute pitching slots left for the Character and Gaming brands on Day Two (7 July). If you are a brand and would like to take part, contact Ryan.Beaird@BrandsRetail.uk.

Licensees can book their FREE tickets for the conference and purchase their ‘Meet the Buyers’ party tickets on the conference website, www.BrandsRetail.uk

Immersive touring attraction to bring The World of Barbie to life

Posted on by

Kilburn Live, a specialist in branded live entertainment, has revealed a partnership with Mattel, Inc. for a new upcoming immersive attraction: World Of Barbie.

Created in partnership with the leading global toy company, Kilburn Live’s interactive exhibition will allow fans the unique opportunity to step directly into Barbie’s inspiring world, where they can explore her iconic Dreamhouse, walk down her neighbourhood streets into various interactive rooms, and even sit in her one-and-only, life-sized Camper Van, fabricated by the team at West Coast Customs.

World of Barbie launches this summer in Toronto, Canada. From Toronto, the attraction will travel to multiple cities across the United States, with anticipated markets including New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and more.

World of Barbie was designed for multiple generations to interact with and features several visually stunning activations inspired by some of Barbie’s most celebrated careers and playsets, including:

  • Barbie Dreamhouse – Explore intricately designed rooms and jaw-dropping photo ops in Barbie’s Dreamhouse, set on the beach in Malibu. Guests can start their own patio party complete with a DJ kit to mix their own music ‘poolside’.
  • Barbie Camper Van – Brought to life by Ryan Friedlinghaus and his team at West Coast Customs, World Of Barbie will feature a life-sized working Camper Van parked in front, allowing guests to climb in the driver’s seat, hang out in the hammock or look for several hidden surprises tucked away inside this ultimate road trip vehicle.
  • Fashion Studio – Walk the pink carpet and strike a pose inside one of six oversized iconic Barbie boxes.
  • TV Studio – LIVE from World of Barbie it’s The Barbie Show, where visitors become a news anchor delivering headlines in front of various TV studio backdrops, interviewing important guests or giving the weather report.
  • Space Center – Board a spacecraft and blast off in Barbie’s shuttle while enjoying the view of stars in the galaxy. Interact with mission control, track objects on the radar or use the audio transference device to listen to the various sounds of space.

World of Barbie will also house a themed Barbie café sharing the same Barbie aesthetics as the immersive attraction.

In addition, the attraction will celebrate the history of the beloved brand with a dedicated area where visitors can see Barbie’s evolution across multiple decades.

“We were asked to bring Barbie’s playset to life. Who can say no to that opportunity?” says Kilburn CEO Mark Manuel. “Barbie is as relevant today as she was when she was first introduced to the world 63 years ago, if not more. I watched my daughter live and play in her world, I believe it helped shape her sharp and lively imagination, just like it has for millions of other children growing up. So there were a lot of reasons we needed to get this right.”

“Throughout her history and numerous careers, Barbie has represented a world of limitless potential,” says Julie Freeland, Senior Director of Location Based Entertainment at Mattel. “With this exquisitely designed attraction we were intentional about delivering an exciting experience that would leave younger fans with the sense that they could do anything or be anything. And, for those who grew up with Barbie, we wanted to spark a little bit of nostalgia, give these fans a chance to step back, reinvent themselves, if only for an afternoon, and spend a day in the Dream Life!”

World of Barbie will kick off in Toronto this summer in a standalone space at Square One, Canada’s foremost fashion, lifestyle and entertainment destination, before travelling to multiple cities across the United States next year.

Tickets for the Toronto engagement go on sale on May 21, 2022. To register for Toronto tickets or receive information on future tour dates, visit www.theworldofbarbie.com

The announcement comes on the heels of Kilburn Live’s recent successful ventures in the live entertainment space with The Dr. Seuss Adventure, NERF Challenge and The Search For Snoopy: A Peanuts Adventure activations, with The Game Room: Powered By Hasbro set to open later this year. The company is also behind the hit NightGarden franchise in Miami, Florida and another in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

To learn more about Kilburn Live, visit http://kilburnmedia.com/live.

 

Kidscreen Summit: full steam ahead for July live event

Posted on by

With just 11 weeks to go until this year’s Kidscreen Summit takes place live in Miami, the organisers report that all planning and preparation is on track.

New York Times bestselling author and Newbery Award medalist Kwame Alexander will kick the week off with a keynote address on Monday, July 18, sharing the inspirational story of his unconventional journey in kids entertainment, and exploring how the simple act of saying yes to new opportunities can enable companies and creators to change the world.

The winners of the 2022 Kidscreen Awards will also be revealed at a high-profile live ceremony hosted by prolific voice actor, comedian and music artist Grey Griffin, who has voiced more than 1,700 animated characters since 1996. Her credits include such iconic roles as Vicky from The Fairly OddParents, Frankie Foster, Duchess and Goo from Foster’s Home for Imaginery Friends, Azula from Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Lola, Lana and Lily Loud from The Loud House. Griffin has also been the voice of Daphne Blake in every Scooby-Doo production since 2000.

Offering a diverse mix of keynotes and debates, research presentations, panel discussions, buyer intel Q&As and signature pitching and mentoring sessions, the full programme is available online at summit.kidscreen.com. Live-event attendees will also have anytime access to a library of video recordings from Kidscreen Summit Virtual, which took place online in March.

It’s anticipated that more than 1,600 delegates will take part in Kidscreen Summit’s virtual and live events this year. New registrations for the live event are coming in every day, and a current delegate list is available online at summit.kidscreen.com.

Broadcasters and streaming platforms will be well represented, including buyers from Amazon Kids, Apple TV+, Baby First, BBC Children’s & Education, Comcast/Xfinity, Disney Branded TV, Disney+/Disney Channels, HITN, ITV, Netflix, Nickelodeon, PBS KIDS, TVOKids, WarnerMedia, WildBrain Television and YouTube.

Execs from studios and distributors such as 9 Story Media Group, Atomic Cartoons, Boat Rocker Media, Cyber Group Studios, Dandelooo, DreamWorks Animation, Federation Kids & Family, GURU Studio, Mediatoon, Millimages, Moonbug Entertainment, Nelvana, Sesame Workshop, Silvergate Media, Studio 100, Studio Canal, Superights, The Jim Henson Company and WildBrain are also attending.

Registration for Kidscreen Summit 2022 is open, with a final Early Bird discount running until Friday, May 27. More information can be found online at summit.kidscreen.com.

Bluey brings first-ever live show to U.S. audiences

Posted on by

The much-loved Heeler family are coming to theatres across the United States with the Bluey live show, Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show.

The Emmy Award-winning animated preschool series, which airs on Disney Junior, Disney Channel, and Disney+, will be “taking the show on the road” to theatres all across the U.S., starting with its November 18, 2022 premiere at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. See blueylive.com for more information and to purchase tickets, which will be on sale from late May 2022.

Fans of all ages will get to see Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli as they’ve never seen them before, as the Heelers embark on their very first live theatre show in the U.S. featuring puppetry, live actors, and iconic sets. Based on an original new story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show also contains new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.

“After seeing the amazing reaction the show received during its Australia run, we are delighted to bring this standout live theatre show to U.S. audiences,” says director Rosemary Myers of Windmill Theatre Co. “We know how much love there is out there for Bluey and are thrilled and honored to translate these brilliant characters into the three-dimensional world and to share this special experience with fans throughout America.”

“U.S. audiences have whole-heartedly embraced Bluey and all its Aussie quirks, and I can’t wait to see their reaction to the live show,” says Kate O’Connor, Head of Licensing and Brands, BBC Studios ANZ. “Bluey’s Big Play is exceptional, and the fact it has such a talented Aussie team behind it makes even more special. And I must add I’m personally pretty excited for a bin chicken to make its U.S. theatre debut!”

Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co. The stage show enjoyed much success in the home market of Australia, where it premiered in Bluey’s hometown Brisbane and went on to perform 447 times across 65 venues, including the Sydney Opera House.

CluedUpp Games introduces new Smurfs experience

Posted on by

IMPS and CluedUpp Games have announced a brand new licensing agreement that will transform hundreds of cities into a giant Smurf-tastic experience in 2023.

In a number of city-wide events, players will immerse themselves in a unique experience which combines augmented reality with the physical world to turn their hometown into the setting of a brand new Smurfs adventure. Exploring city streets, solving wacky challenges, and meeting their favourite Smurfs characters along the way, players will attempt to save the day from the evil wizard Gargamel.

Tref Griffiths, founder and CEO of CluedUpp Games, says: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be developing a new range of events alongside such an iconic brand as The Smurfs. This partnership presents a wonderful opportunity for families to explore their city and discover The Smurfs in a completely new and exciting way.”

Véronique Culliford, President of IMPS and daughter of Peyo, the creator of the Smurfs, commented: “We’re so excited about this new collaboration with CluedUpp Games. Getting together and having fun, this is what every Smurf likes to do. We can’t wait to see blue waves of Smurfs fans from all around the world exploring their city and thwarting Gargamel’s plans.”

Events are scheduled to take place in more than 800 cities and over 20 countries worldwide. Tickets will go on sale to the public from October 2022.

Toy Fair New York confirms move to autumn

Posted on by

The Toy Association, producer of Toy Fair New York, has announced that the 118th edition of the show will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from September 30 to October 3, 2023 in New York City.

As previously announced, The Toy Association’s Board of Directors, comprised of executives from companies of all sizes, made the decision to shift the trade show’s timing to autumn from February based on a number of factors, many of which were accelerated by the pandemic. These factors include, but are not limited to, extended lead times in production supply chain and sourcing and evolved retailer purchasing cycles. The findings were gleaned from multiple member surveys and research work done by consulting firm mdg as part of a multi-year long process to “reimagine” the future of Toy Fair.

“For more than a century, Toy Fair has brought together global buyers, sellers, importers, inventors, licensors, entrepreneurs, media, and everyone else with a stake in the play business – a legacy that we will continue while moving forward with a reimagined show in the heart of New York City that best serves all audiences relying on Toy Fair to advance business in a rapidly evolving retail and manufacturing environment – and tap into New York’s unique position as a finance and media hub,” says Steve Pasierb, president & CEO of The Toy Association. “With the dates for Toy Fair New York 2023 now set, businesses have ample time to plan for what is sure to be an exceptional and much-anticipated show.”

The Toy Association continues to serve the industry and will hold a 2023 Preview & 2022 Holiday Market thisSeptember in Dallas, TX, where retailers can shop this year’s holiday must-haves and preview innovative product for next year. Exhibitor applications open Tuesday, April 5 for priority placement; the general application period for all sellers opens Monday, April 11.

“The Preview & Holiday Market will help toy professionals bridge the gap between now and Toy Fair New York as they activate their go-to-market plans this fall,” adds Kimberly Carcone, senior vice president of global market events at The Toy Association. “Joining the industry in person this September 20-22 to preview the latest trends impacting toys and play will help end 2022 on a high note and lay the groundwork for a successful new year.”