This summer’s next blockbuster children’s movie is expected to be ‘Horrid Henry: The Movie’, a 3D screen adaptation of the best-selling books. Frances Hardy, who was on set during filming, explains what it’s all about...
Who is Horrid Henry?
He’s a thoroughly naughty boy, leader of the Purple Hand Gang, and the despair of his parents, his teachers and anyone else in authority.
What’s his pedigree?
Created by writer Francesca Simon and illustrated by Tony Ross, the first Horrid Henry story was published in 1994 and has spawned some 20 books, lots of computer games, a stage show and a CITV series, which has had three Bafta nominations. Sixteen million Horrid Henry books have been sold in the UK alone. The stories have been translated into 22 languages and are sold in 27 countries and are the biggest-selling children’s stories after Harry Potter.
So what’s the film about?
When Henry fails to hand in his homework - for the umpteenth time - he sets off a chain of events that see him forming an unlikely alliance with Moody Margaret, the infuriating girl next door, and his irritating little brother, Perfect Peter, outwitting school inspectors and toppling an evil headmaster.
Who plays Henry?
Henry’s trademark blue and yellow striped jersey is worn by 13-year-old Theo Stevenson. He’s already a movie veteran, appearing in In Bruges and as the younger self of Paul Giamatti’s Santa in the film Fred Claus. He is surrounded by illustrious actors, but his heroes on set were the children’s TV presenters Dick and Dom, who play themselves in the film. “I was really nervous about meeting them”, he says, “but they made a great fuss of me”.
Who else is in the cast?
Oscar-winner Anjelica Huston plays Henry’s terrifying teacher, Boudicca Battle-Axe, and Richard E.Grant is the corrupt headmaster Vic Van Wrinkle. Prunella Scales plays Henry’s Great Aunt Greta (“she thinks I’m a girl and is always giving me girly presents”, he grumbles) and Helen Lederer is his posh Aunt Ruby. The role of the Demon Dinner Lady - one of Henry’s most hated enemies - is taken by Jo Brand.
What about Henry’s parents?
Henry’s dad, who “likes cooking and listening to boring classical music and tells me off a lot”, is played by Mathew Horne. Mathew once confessed he didn’t want children of his own “because I am far too selfish”, but was so enchanted by the kids in the film that he now says he can’t wait to start a family. Henry’s long-suffering mother - who wishes Henry could be as angelic as his younger brother Perfect Peter - is played by Siobhan Hayes.
How Perfect is Peter?
Very. He’s everything that Henry isn’t: polite, tidy, studious and respectful. He’s also Dad’s favourite. And he eats up all his vegetables without being made to. Needless to say, he adores his teacher, Miss Lovely (Parminder Nagra). Peter is played by Ross Marron, a sweet- faced newcomer with a mop of artfully tousled blond hair. He actually auditioned five or six times for the role of Horrid Henry, but the producers decided he wasn’t roguish enough.
And how is Horrid Henry preparing himself for movie fame?
“I haven’t thought about it much,” says Theo, “but making the film was fun. Whatever happens will be great. I’m a little bit annoyed, though, that I won’t get any of the money I earned from the film until I’m 18. When I do, I know exactly what I will spend it on: I want to go around the world bungee-jumping.” - Daily Mail