Old Jack's Boat

Old Jack's Boat is a British pre-school children's television series that stars Bernard Cribbins as Old Jack, the owner of a multi-coloured boat called The Rainbow. In each episode Jack (Bernard Cribbins) tells a story to the viewer. The first episode was broadcast on CBeebies at 5.40pm^[1] on Monday 21 January 2013.^[2]

Production

The series was filmed in Staithes in Yorkshire, and the scenery of the area is heavily featured in the episodes. Bernard Cribbins talking about the location, said “I’ve filmed in a lot of locations throughout my career, but there’s something about the sea air, the beauty and the friendliness in Staithes that makes it a special place to be.”^[3]

Two of the stories for the first series were written by Russell T Davies, with whom Bernard Cribbins had previously worked on Doctor Who. This was the first time Davies had ever written for a pre-school audience.^[4] On writing for pre-schoolers Davies said "It’s exciting new territory for me, writing for this age range. But this is the age when your imagination first starts! And when the call came from Bernard, asking me on board, I couldn't refuse - I'd do anything for that man!"^[5]

Reception

Old Jack's Boat was positively received upon broadcast. Aislinn Kinsella, writing for Best British TV, said that the program was "suitably amusing for a CBeebies show" and that it was "sure to be a hit with the little ones and one or two older folks!"^[6] Glen Chapman, writing for website Den of Geek, said of the series: "Well, come on, it’s Bernard Cribbins telling stories? What more could you ask for? The man is a national treasure." The location filming was also praised, with Chapman saying that Staithes "looks every bit the idyllic location".^[7]

Cast

• Jack : Bernard Cribbins
• Shelly Periwinkle: Freema Agyeman (series 1)
• Captain Periwinkle: Don Gilet (series 2)
• Ernie Starboard: Paul Hawkyard
• Miss Bowline-Hitch: Helen Lederer
• Emily Scuttlebutt: Janine Duvitski
• Sam Spinnaker: Nadine Marshall

,^[8][9]

Spin-off

A spin-off titled Old Jack's Boat: Rockpool Tales is about adventures of sea creatures,^[10] and another, Salty's Waggy Tales, is about the adventures of Salty the Dog.

References

External links

• Old Jack's Boat at the Internet Movie Database