The Wombles are officially making a TV comeback after nearly 30 years. A new generation is about to be enchanted by the beloved furry creatures, which first appeared in stories by author Elizabeth Beresford in the 1960s. The tales followed a fictional group of furry creatures living beneath London's Wimbledon Common, on an eco-driven mission to collect rubbish and recycle.
Original TV Adaptation
The characters made a lasting impression on young viewers when the BBC aired a TV adaptation from 1973 to 1975. Mike Batt also created their iconic theme song, sung by a pop group that quickly became chart-topping musicians inspired by the characters. Although the BBC show ended in 1975, it went on to have several more seasons in a reboot on ITV in the 1990s, as well as its own film, stage show, and popular merchandise, weaving itself into British culture.
Return After Decades
The ITV show wrapped up in 1998, and since then, aside from occasional reunions for live shows by the band, there has been little activity. Now, after consolidating the brand's intellectual property rights under the Blair Partnership as its global representative, that is about to change. There is potential for television, film, audio, publishing, theatre, live events, digital media, and gaming under this new deal, opening up a whole new world of content for Wombles fans.
Plans in the Works
Neil Blair, founding partner and agent at The Blair Partnership, said: 'The Wombles is an iconic British brand with strong cultural appeal, distinctive characters with core values that translate and resonate globally.' He has a vision to build The Wombles into a 'multi-platform international franchise for a new generation of audiences.' Several plans are already in the works imminently, including a YouTube channel featuring original episodes as well as new live-action formats focusing on environmental awareness. Fans can also look forward to a new digital interactive game and a renewed focus on the philanthropic arm, The Wombles Community Charity.
