
Image courtesy Beano Studios
Beano Studios is teaming up with the production company Selladoor to create a new musical stage production based on its hit TV show, Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed!
The family friendly show, is being developed by the company behind the upcoming Oor Wullie musical opening at Dundee Rep this November, Little Shop of Horrors, Madagascar the Musical and Avenue Q, will launch in 2020, and will take on a year-long tour of over 40 theatres and venues across the UK and Ireland.
BAFTA-winning writer/producer-director Will Brenton, whose many credits include the Doctor Who! The Monsters are Coming! arena tour, is on board to write the show, which will feature Dennis and Gnasher’s hallmark slapstick comedy, delivered with a repertoire of songs.
The stage production follows on from the success of Beano Studios’ international Emmy-nominated TV series Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed! The series stars Beano’s irrepressible hero Dennis (voiced by Freddie Fox), his dogged side kick Gnasher and fearless mates including Rubi, JJ, Pieface and his pet potato, Paul.
The hit TV show recently secured its second series on CBBC and has been sold in over 24 countries. It now airs on broadcasters including Super RTL in Germany, Rai in Italy and France Télévision.

Dennis and Gnasher on the cover of the latest Beano (Issue 3980) on sale now in all good newsagents and supermarkets
Emma Scott, CEO of Beano Studios said: “Following the success of Dennis & Gnasher Unleashed around the world, bringing our gang to life on stage is the perfect next step. Selladoor are the ideal team to take on the exciting challenge of bringing the iconic characters to life in a show to entertain all ages.”
“Selladoor are delighted to be working with Beano Studios to bring the iconic Dennis and Gnasher to the stage for the first time with a really exciting creative team, led by Will Brenton under Anna Fox’s dramaturgical eye,” commented David Hutchinson, CEO of Selladoor.
“Selladoor recently launched Selladoor Creation, our development wing focused entirely on commissioning new stories for the stage. We are delighted to have been entrusted by Beano Studios with their well-loved characters who have endured for generations, and now finally leap from the page to the stage.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring one of the Nation’s favourite rebels to life so everyone can join in on the mischief and adventures.
“Keep your eyes peeled for Dennis and the gang hitting a theatre near you!”
• Selladoor is online at www.selladoor.com | The Beano is online at www.beano.com
Beano and characters © Beano Studios/ DC Thomson Media
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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