"The Story of Tracy Beaker" (2002)TV series 2002-????

Director:

Delyth Thomas

Writers:

Andy Walker (writer) (episode)
Elly Brewer (writer) (episode)

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | unknown

Release Date:

8 January 2002 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Family

Plot:

Tracy Beaker is a 10 year old child, who was placed in a children's home. Tracy makes new friends along the way, and causes mischief where ever she goes.

Plot Keywords:

Foster Care | Foster Daughter | Foster Mother | Slapstick | Based On Novel

Awards:

4 nominations

Cast

Dani Harmer	...	Tracy Beaker (47 episodes, 2002-2006)
Montanna Thompson	...	Justine / ... (33 episodes, 2002-2005)
Clive Rowe	...	Duke (31 episodes, 2002-2004)
Ben Hanson	...	Bouncer / ... (28 episodes, 2003-2004)
Ciaran Joyce	...	Lol (25 episodes, 2003-2004)
Nisha Nayar	...	Elaine 'The Pain' Boyack / ... (22 episodes, 2002-2003)
Darragh Mortell	...	Crash (21 episodes, 2004)
Abby Rakic-Platt	...	Jackie (21 episodes, 2004)
Chelsie Padley	...	Louise / ... (20 episodes, 2002-2003)
Nicola Reynolds	...	Shelley (20 episodes, 2004)

Runtime:

UK:15 min (100 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Filming Locations:

Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Quotes:

Louise: You, you chocolate thief!

Movie Connections:

Spin off Tracy Beaker Parties with Pudsey (2004) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Theme

Very good touching in parts funny in others

I had read the book of this not long ago and when I heard it had been made into a TV series I had to give it a try as I enjoyed the book.

The story is about Tracy Beaker a young girl who lives in Stokesley House a.k.a 'The dumping ground' a place for children who have been put into care.

Tracy has an overactive imagination and frequently says things such as 'my mum can't look after me because she's a famous actress in Hollywood' or other stuff to make up for why her mother isn't looking after her. When she starts talking back to each other there is an unrealistic cartoon flashback of her mother the way Tracy would like to see her but then they show the flashback of what was really happening. Such as Tracy's mother reguarly leaving her at home to go out with her boyfriend showing that she was unfit in the end to take care of Tracy. In the first series you meet other generally likeable characters from the book such as Justine, Louise, Peter, Maxie etc and later Cam.

The second series however brought new characters Lol, Bouncer and Amber who were not in the book but also they are likeable with the exception of Amber who clearly we are supposed to dislike as she is a rebel, a bit of a bully and cruel towards the other kids when she's in a bad mood which is her most regular mood.

The story is very good and Tracy Beaker is a very good character. Seeing the flashbacks of her mother are quite touching and when they play the song starting with 'I can make my world come true...' slowly when something sad happens you can't help but feel sad yourself. If you have read the book I recommend watching it and if you haven't read the book I still recommend watching it you get the gist of story and characters in a short time.