When he’s not busy judging Britain’s Got Talent, David Walliams has established himself as a best-selling children’s author — and the BBC have already adapted a number of the British comedy star’s books including Mr Stink, Billionaire Boy, Gangsta Granny, The Boy in the Dress and Grandpa’s Great Escape.
So it’s no surprise that for Christmas, BBC1 are once again treating us to another Walliams adaptation. This year it’s The Midnight Gang, a heartwarming story set in a children’s hospital, that’s getting the small screen treatment.
What time is The Midnight Gang on TV?
The Midnight Gang will air on BBC1 on Boxing Day (Wednesday 26th December) at 7.30pm.
What’s The Midnight Gang about?
The story, based on Walliams’ book of the same name, tells the tale of Tom, a young boy who must spend a stint in the children’s ward at Lord Funt Hospital, after an accident during a cricket game.
Once he arrives, Tom quickly makes enemies — including a frightening porter and a bitter matron who dislikes children — and friends, as he discovers The Midnight Gang, a group of kids who secretly sneak out of the ward at midnight and go on magical adventures.
But when Tom’s horrible boarding school headmaster determines that he should return to school, Tom attempts to spend a final night in hospital for one last Midnight Gang adventure.
Who stars in The Midnight Gang?
Tom’s wicked headmaster is (of course) played by David Walliams himself. Meanwhile QI’s Alan Davies is the scary Porter, Matron is played by Haydn Gwynne (The Windsors), and the nervous young doctor Luppers is played by Amit Shah (Breathe, Crashing).
Tom is played by Oliver Zetterstrom, Sir Quentin is played by Mark Heap (Friday Night Dinner), and Jocelyn Jee Esien (Upstart Crow) is Tootsie.
When was The Midnight Gang filmed?
Filming kicked off back in September – here’s a sneak peek of David Walliams in costume as the headmaster…
Filming has begun on the TV adaptation of my children’s book ‘The Midnight Gang’. I play the headmaster. It will be on @BBCOne at Christmas. pic.twitter.com/pB0vGQS3BK
— David Walliams (@davidwalliams) September 25, 2018
On set for ‘The Midnight Gang’. @BBCOne Christmas pic.twitter.com/a6sIlEMtES
— David Walliams (@davidwalliams) October 10, 2018
Is there a Midnight Gang stage show?
Yes, there is – a musical version of Walliams’ book launched in Chichester and ran from mid-October to early November. There are no confirmed plans for more performances but the show won rave reviews so don’t be surprised if it crops up again soon.
On stage for the first night of ‘The Midnight Gang’ @ChichesterFT pic.twitter.com/VfIHnIFH4h
— David Walliams (@davidwalliams) October 22, 2018
from Radio Times http://bit.ly/2Ah6Dai
