Filming is underway in Northern Ireland for a brand new series of fish out of water, live action comedy, Pickle Storm. The first series is coming soon to CBBC and BBC iPlayer with ten further episodes already commissioned.
Produced by Black Dog Television for CBBC, the series features the hilarious adventures of 9-year-old Pickle Storm who has to flee the fantasy world of Kleftania – with its magic, dragons and warriors - and seek refuge in the everyday UK town of Middlington, where everything is different. The Storm family marvel at their new home’s mini waterfall (tap), food roundabout (microwave) and writing scrolls (supersoft loo roll). With their pet warthoffle, Swumpy, causing mayhem and a Snow Gruff that creates indoor blizzards, Pickle must try everything to fit in - tricky when you keep doing magic accidentally and have no idea what “schooooooool” is.
Joining the cast is social media star, comedian and impressionist Philip Green as vain, rules-obsessed headteacher Mr Ludcomb, Donna Preston (The Sandman) as mum Lystra, a battle-hardened warrior and comedian Inel Tomlinson (Horrible Histories) as dad Hendrick, an eccentric wizard. Newcomer Kassidi Roberts (Lovely Little Farm) takes the role of Pickle, and it’s the one and only Justin Fletcher (Something Special, Justin’s House) who voices the family pet Swumpy the Warthoffle. Pickle’s new BFF is Mia (Cadence Williams), and her nemesis classmate is Roland (Toby Barnett-Jones). The Storms’ bemused neighbours are Derek (Michael Condron) and Yasmin (Mitra Djalili).
With its timely themes of displaced families and friendship, Pickle Storm is a comedy of the moment which looks set to become a firm favourite with young audiences who love to have a laugh.
Pickle Storm series two is directed by Louise Ni Fhiannachta, Cein McGillicuddy, Eoin Cleland and produced by Raymond Lau. It was created and written by Will Ing, Dan Gaster and Paul Powell, alongside co-writers, Tasha Dhanraj, Hannah George, Lucy Guy and Sarah Gordon.
The series was commissioned by Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education and Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning and Acquisitions 7+ with Melissa Hardinge, Senior Commissioning Editor.
The show has been co-funded by BBC Children’s and Education, BBC Studios Kids & Family who are also the global distributor, Northern Ireland Screen and Sony Music Publishing.
The first series will air soon on CBBC and BBC iPlayer with the second series to follow in 2025.
