CBBC and BBC iPlayer announce 'Stage Stars'

BBC Children’s and Education is backing the best homegrown storytelling with new commissions for CBBC and iPlayer. The brand-new shows have everything for young audiences: an ambitious access series set in one of the UK’s best stage schools, Scottish-based teen adventure drama and the Gladiators taking the competition to the next level in mischievous ways we’ve seen before.

Brand new Epic Pranks for CBBC, from Hungry Bear Media and MGM Alternative UK,  the makers of Gladiators, gives viewers exclusive access behind the scenes at the Sheffield Arena and an insight into the world of the much-loved superhumans.

Stage Stars immerses viewers in the world of aspiring singers, actors and dancers at a UK school, following a group of exceptionally talented young students balancing boarding school life with hard work to earn their place in the spotlight.

Gifted is an ambitious action adventure series set in Edinburgh, adapted from the novels by Marilyn Kaye.

The three new commissions demonstrate the BBC’s commitment to backing homegrown stories that bring families together to enjoy high quality productions and much-loved brands.

Patricia Hidalgo, Director BBC Children’s and Education says: “We continue to showcase homegrown dramas and series which aim to give our young viewers an insight into the diverse lives of children, characters and settings from across the UK with unique stories to tell which will resonate with them and with their families.”

Stage Stars

Commissioned for CBBC and BBC iPlayer from Drummer Television, Stage Stars (15 x 24’) immerses viewers in the lives of young performers at a UK boarding school specialising in dance and the performing arts. The series goes behind the scenes capturing all the ups and downs, the disappointments and celebrations as the young performers face challenges both inside and outside school. It utilises the wealth of talent available to enhance storytelling within the documentary, through unique, imaginative performance in break-out moments during each episode.

The series was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of BBC Children’s Commissioning 7+ and the Executive Producer for the BBC is Fiona Piper. Executive producers for Drummer Television are Tamsin Summers and Rachel Drummond-Hay.