CBBC recently commissioned a one-hour teen drama which is based in Alderley Edge and will air on BBC1 on Christmas Day. Ingenious, an original film which has been written by Jeanette Winterson, follows three children – Sally, Patch and Spikey who unwittingly release a genie, Genius, from a bottle.
With Genius around, things are fun but also a little strange as he brings the world of magic into their lives. There’s also the small matter of a dragon, which Sally and Patch have dreamt about and local author Lucas Summer has seen. Where is the dragon hiding and what does he want?
The drama was filmed in and around Alderley Edge. Ruby Community Farm, which is at the centre of the drama was actually Bridge Farm in Holmes Chapel but I watched a preview this week and local landmarks such as The Edge and Jodrell Bank feature in a number of scenes.
Producers Lime Pictures, the company responsible for Grange Hill and Hollyoaks, filmed the school scenes of the drama at Alderley Edge Primary School during the summer holidays. For one day Alderley Edge CP School became St Smithin’s Primary School. (See photos below).
Jeanette Winterson, an award winning novelist, screenwriter and journalist who won three BAFTAs for her adaptation of her novel ‘Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit’ in 1990, said she wrote Ingenious because “I liked the idea of finding a genie in a recycling bin – because that’s where bottles are these days – and from that simple twist on an old story came the idea of a genie who wants to be part of the human race, and who learns something about friendship.”
“I believe that kids need language and stories, equipped with both they can make sense of their world – and deal with the dragons and the villains they will certainly meet on their travels – but in different disguises..” explained Jeanette.
Ingenious is directed by Brian Kelly, the lead director on the original “Torchwood”, and stars Una Stubbs (Worzel Gummidge) alongside David Calder (The Mummy), Ian Pulestone Davies (Vincent) and Christine Tremarco (Waterloo Road).
The teen drama will air on BBC1 at 9.15am on Christmas Day.
