The Magical Roundabout Troupe, also known as the MRT, is a renowned theater group that has been captivating audiences with their spellbinding performances for over two decades. Since its inception in 1998, the troupe has become synonymous with innovative storytelling, mesmerizing choreography, and enchanting stagecraft. Led by the visionary director, Mr. Rupert Blackthorn, the MRT has gained international acclaim for their unique blend of theater, acrobatics, and illusion. The troupe consists of a diverse cast of talented performers, ranging from highly skilled actors and dancers to skilled acrobats and magicians. Each member brings their own special talents to the stage, creating a harmonious and captivating experience for the audience.
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Every episode will begin with Zebedee appearing at the roundabout and giving a brief summary to the viewers of what will happen before the episode starts. Every episode will begin with Zebedee appearing at the roundabout and giving a brief summary to the viewers of what will happen before the episode starts.
Each member brings their own special talents to the stage, creating a harmonious and captivating experience for the audience. The MRT's performances are known for their seamless integration of various art forms, creating a truly magical and immersive experience. The troupe's shows often feature elaborate sets, stunning costumes, and breathtaking visual effects that transport the audience into a world of fantasy and wonder.
It’s time for bed again: French team bring back The Magic Roundabout
O nce upon a time, a girl called Florence with a penchant for big boots played with her weird friends: a dog called Dougal, a dopey rabbit called Dylan and an unusually speedy snail called Brian in a magic garden dominated by a brightly coloured merry-go-round.
The names might not mean anything to people born less than 40-odd years ago, but to those of a certain age they are instantly recognisable as characters from The Magic Roundabout, a French children’s TV show that achieved cult status in Britain in the 1960s and 1970s.
For more than a decade, Florence and friends charmed young and old alike with simple stories told with a witty adult sub-text every evening. Then the programme vanished into television history quicker than the talking, teleporting jack-in-the-box Zebedee could say “time for bed”.
Le Manège Enchanté (The Magic Roundabout) created by Serge Danot. Photograph: Photo 12/Alamy
A 2005 film based on the TV series, failed to revive its fortunes despite being voiced by a cast of A-list stars including Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue, Tom Baker, Joanna Lumley, Bill Nighy and Ian McKellen. It was described as “dumbed down” and a tragic bypassing of the cheeky 60s original and plans for a sequel were quickly binned.
Now, Florence and friends are set to enchant a new generation of pre-school youngsters with a series of 52 11-minute programmes produced by Mediawan’s Method Animation, the company behind The Little Prince and Robin Hood.
Producer Camille Oesch said there was huge global interest in reviving the programme, and that while the new series, expected to air in 2024, was aimed at a young audience of three– to five-year-olds, she hoped it would “recreate the magic of the Magic Roundabout”.
“We want to respect the characters, personalities and spirit of the original. It’s not a question of going back into the past, but of reviving this iconic work with the techniques of the present,” Oesch said.
“In England, The Magic Roundabout was not just an iconic programme of the 1960s it was a cultural reference in animation, but the context today isn’t the same as in the 1960s so we have to find a path between the two.
“The response to the news has been enormous. Many channels are interested.”
The Magic Roundabout started life as Le Manège Enchanté, created by Frenchman Serge Danot, a former decorator whose previous claim to fame was that he had helped paint the Eiffel Tower. His pink, red, blue and orange merry-go-round was set in a magic garden where the colour green, which he hated, was bizarrely absent.
From left: Mr Rusty, Zebedee, Florence and Dougal. Photograph: Photo 12/Alamy
In 2004, Danot’s widow Martine, now in her early 70s, recalled how Dougal (Pollux in the French version) was an unexpected star. “He was originally a minor character in the programme,” Danot told the Guardian back then.
“At first he didn’t say anything, he just made a strange noise. But after the first few programmes viewers began writing asking to see more of the dog, so he became the main character,” she said.
“Serge gave him a heavy English accent, which French people found enormously amusing. He went, ‘Bow- wow-wow’ [French dogs go, ‘Ouah, ouah’].” Dylan, meanwhile, was called Flappy and had a heavy Spanish accent, while Brian the snail was Ambroise and Ermintrude the cow, Azalée.
France’s state broadcaster originally commissioned 13 programmes, the first of which was broadcast in black and white in October 1964. It was an instant hit, and a further 50 episodes were ordered. In the end Danot made about 700 and The Magic Roundabout went global; it was translated into 30 languages and broadcast in more than 60 countries, including Iran and Japan.
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The BBC was initally unimpressed, rejecting the programme twice as charming but too “weird”, before agreeing to buy it in 1965. In the end, its success in the UK was credited to narrator Eric Thompson, the father of actor Emma Thompson, who was presenting BBC2’s Play School at the time. Thompson deemed the original French stories simplistic and dull. Instead of translating them, he turned down the French sound and made up the narrative as he went along.
While it was a huge hit with children, Thompson’s double entendres also appealed to adults. At its height, The Magic Roundabout, shown in the five-minute slot before the early evening news on BBC1, was attracting about 8 million viewers. To young fans, the hippy, guitar-strumming rabbit Dylan was just dopey – while it was evident to parents that he had clearly been smoking something. And what was in those sugar cubes that sent Dougal spinning in circles? Every episode ended with Zebedee (Ze Baddie, another Thompson invention) declaring: “Time for bed”.
Eric Thompson with characters from The Magic Roundabout. Photograph: David Newell Smith/The Observer
Danot was less happy with Dougal’s English name – he was convinced Thompson was having a sly dig at the French president Charles de Gaulle.
Jérôme Brizé, founder of Magic, co-producers of the new series, who manages the rights to the Magic Roundabout on behalf of Martine Danot, admits Thompson’s approach gave the British version a certain adult appeal, but doubts the celebrated actor and script writer would get away with doing the same these days.
“Eric Thompson would turn the sound down and make up his own story. I don’t think he even knew what the original was about; I guess he was sent the scripts in French but I don’t think they were translated,” Brizé said.
“He certainly took some liberties but this was part of his genius and contributed to it becoming such an iconic programme in the UK. I think the UK was the only place where the programme was addressed to adults as well as children.”
Brizé added: “We hope to recreate the spirit and English humour in it, but we will be taking it back to its original roots as a series for children.”
Oesch agreed this was a challenge. “We will be trying hard to find a balance between the French and English contexts,” she said.
Jérôme Brizé, founder of Magic, co-producers of the new series, who manages the rights to the Magic Roundabout on behalf of Martine Danot, admits Thompson’s approach gave the British version a certain adult appeal, but doubts the celebrated actor and script writer would get away with doing the same these days.
Combining elements of drama, comedy, and fantasy, the MRT's performances are designed to entertain and engage audiences of all ages. One of the unique aspects of the Magical Roundabout Troupe is their commitment to creating original and thought-provoking productions. The troupe is known for their bold and imaginative approach to storytelling, often tackling complex themes and ideas in their performances. From exploring the depths of the human psyche to delving into the mysteries of the universe, the MRT's productions offer a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience. In addition to their theatrical performances, the MRT is also involved in a number of community outreach programs. They regularly visit schools, hospitals, and community centers, bringing joy and inspiration to those who may not have access to the arts. Through these programs, the troupe aims to promote the importance of creativity, imagination, and self-expression in people's lives. Overall, the Magical Roundabout Troupe is a truly magical and awe-inspiring theater group. Captivating audiences with their extraordinary performances, the MRT continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of theater. With their innovative storytelling, mesmerizing choreography, and enchanting stagecraft, the MRT has earned its place as one of the most beloved and admired theater troupes in the world..
Reviews for "The Magical Roundabout Troupe's Inspirational Message: Finding Magic in Everyday Life"
1. Jessica - 2/5 - I was really disappointed in "The Magical Roundabout Troupe". The acting was lackluster and the plot was all over the place. I couldn't even follow what was happening most of the time. The jokes fell flat and the music was forgettable. I was really looking forward to a magical and entertaining experience, but unfortunately, this show just didn't deliver.
2. Mark - 1/5 - "The Magical Roundabout Troupe" was a complete waste of time and money. The performances were amateurish and the sets were cheap. I found myself cringing throughout the entire show. The story was confusing and the characters were unlikable. I would definitely not recommend this to anyone looking for a quality theater experience.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I didn't enjoy "The Magical Roundabout Troupe" at all. The acting was subpar and the dialogue was cheesy. The storyline was unoriginal and predictable. The show relied too heavily on cheap tricks and gimmicks instead of genuine talent. Overall, it was a disappointing and forgettable experience.
4. John - 2/5 - I was highly disappointed in "The Magical Roundabout Troupe". The performances were unimpressive and the production value was low. The jokes were predictable and the storyline was weak. I expected a magical and enchanting show, but I felt like I wasted my time and money. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for a captivating theater experience.