Sesame Tree Branches Out To CBeebies
By amoody
Created 07/21/2008 - 00:00
CBeebies is set to debut SESAME TREE, Northern Ireland's version of SESAME STREET. The locally produced program, shown on BBC Two Northern Ireland, can be seen beginning on BBC Two from Monday, July 21 and on CBeebies Channel from Monday August 4, 2008.
SESAME TREE was co-produced by Belfast-based production company Sixteen South, part of the Inferno Group, and Sesame Workshop, the non profit organization behind SESAME STREET. It features characters specially created and developed for audiences in Northern Ireland and brought to life by local performers.
Aligned to the revised Northern Ireland Statutory Curriculum, SESAME TREE presents engaging educational messages through stories and characters. Each episode features Muppets, Potto and Hilda on an adventure filled with laughter and learning. The duo answer questions on the many topics posed by children and introduce local live action films that showcase the diversity of Northern Ireland and cover different themes such as sharing and patience.
Peter Johnston, Controller BBC Northern Ireland said, "This is a very exciting new opportunity for U.K. viewers to see SESAME TREE programs over the summer holidays. Broadcasting the programs on CBeebies will enable children around the U.K. to share in the experience of children from all around Northern Ireland. SESAME TREE is a very entertaining and engaging series for children linking in to the Northern Ireland curriculum, and supported by the SESAME TREE website bbc.co.uk/sesametree."
Gary E. Knell, President and CEO of Sesame Workshop said, "SESAME TREE has been a fantastic project to work on and we are so proud that the series has been selected for CBeebies. The images we share and the stories we tell have the potential to extend far beyond the television screen to become a valuable resource for children growing up today throughout the entire U.K."
Colin Williams, Exec Producer said, "The series is beautifully rich in local culture and current with the Northern Ireland curriculum as well as being entertaining for parents and children."
SESAME TREE will be shown every day beginning July 21, 2008 on BBC Two at 7:45 a.m. and from August 4, 2008 on CBeebies Channel at 10:20 a.m. It is available to watch again at bbc.co.uk/iplayer.
