Cosgrove Hall: A Brief History

Founded in 1976 by Brian Cosgrove and Mark Hall, Cosgrove Hall Productions was a major producer and distributor of children’s television and animated series. The company was based in Manchester, and throughout the years, it expanded its versatility by covering a number of animation techniques, including hand-drawn cel animation and stop-motion. Gradually, the company was dissolved by ITV in 2009, but it has since been survived by CHF (Cosgrove Hall Fitzpatrick), a company which identifies itself as an extension of the original studio.

The Wind in The Willows, 1983

Amongst their most memorable productions are the original Noddy (1975) series, as well as its spin-off series Noddy’s Toyland Adventures (1992-2001), both of which were stop-motion animated. Another memorable series is Danger Mouse, which aired from 1981 to 1992. The traditionally animated series starred David Jason as the eponymous espionage expert, and Terry Scott as his bumbling bespectacled sidekick Penfold, the hapless hamster. Together they, along with the absent-minded Colonel K, fought most often against the notorious Baron Greenback, a villainous toad bent on attaining world domination. The series’ success also led to the incarnation of another David Jason-led series, Count Duckula, which ran from 1988 to 1993.

Danger Mouse (1981-1992)

'Toad', on display in Bristol, UK

In 1983, Cosgrove Hall produced a stop-motion animated film for Thames Television titled The Wind in the Willows, based on the book by Kenneth Grahame and once again starring David Jason as Toad. Subsequently, its success led to a spin-off television series which was broadcast from 1984 to 1987. Pictured to the right is the model of Toad at an exhibition in Bristol, UK.

In 1989, the company unveiled its only full-length traditionally animated movie for television, The BFG, based on the 1982 book by Roald Dahl. Written by John Hambley and directed by Brian Cosgrove, the film starred David Jason as the BFG (Big Friendly Giant) and Amanda Root as Sophie.

Later programmes produced by the company are not quite as memorable but remained of a high quality. Fifi and the Flowertots (produced by Chapman Entertainment) and Enjie Benjy (2002-2005) saw them return to the traditions of stop-motion animation. Since its dissolution and the passing of the baton to CHF, the company has resorted to using much more prevalent computer animation techniques, including Flash animation. But their programmes nonetheless remain popular amongst young audiences, including Pip Ahoy! (2014-), a series for pre-schoolers once again starring Cosgrove Hall stalwart David Jason.

Fifi and the Flowertots' 'Bumble' on display in Bristol, UK

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