A new chapter to story of Balamory
SHOW’S RETURN DELIGHTS ACTRESS
TWO decades have passed since muchloved children’s TV show Balamory first aired on Cbeebies but to Geordie star Kim Tserkezie it seems like it was just yesterday.
The 49-year-old from High Heaton shot to fame as Penny Pocket on the programme about a fictional island community off the west coast of Scotland. Known for her bright blue outfit and talent for maths, Penny joined the show’s lineup of iconic characters including Miss Hoolie, PC Plum, Edie Mccredie and Archie the inventor.
The theme tune, “What’s the story in Balamory, wouldn’t you like to know?” became one most recognisable in children’s TV when it aired between 2002 and 2005. Now, a new generation of youngsters will get to see the show as it returns to BBC iplayer.
Speaking to the Sunday Sun, Kim said of the 20-year anniversary: “It’s hard to believe in some ways as it feels like just yesterday when we made it but in other ways, I think, ‘wow I feel really old!’
“It was the fans that started talking about it first. I thought it was a bit of a rumour so when it was confirmed I was like, ‘wow.’
“I am thrilled for the amazing fans who have campaigned for the show to come back on screen for so long. I am intrigued at how a new audience is going to react to Balamory and to see how well it stood the test of time.
“Whether it will capture them the same way it did audiences 20 years ago is going to be really exciting to find out.”
Reflecting on her time on the show, Kim said “no one could have predicted the huge success across the globe,” however, she believes its success comes from the way it championed inclusion.
“I think it celebrated difference,” she said. “I think for me, as a disabled actor, it gave me the opportunity I was struggling to find which was to play a character rather than a medical problem with disability issues. I know that meant a huge amount to a disabled audience to see themselves more authentically represented.”
Kim added: “I think one of the things that will hopefully still hold up with the new audience now is they will feel included and represented.”
Since Balamory, Kim has worked as an actor, presenter, writer and producer with a career spanning comedy, drama, and documentary. The mum-of-two runs her own production company, Scattered Pictures in Newcastle, which develops projects focused on under-represented talent.
But Kim said she still keeps in touch with her Balamory costars with the group even considering reuniting in Newcastle to celebrate the milestone.
“I have an endless amount of happy memories from the show,” she said.
“I was just wonderful right from the start. Right from the first day, everyone got on so well, there was a wonderful atmosphere and a huge sense of fun.
“We don’t see each other as much as we would like because we are all dotted around the country and in the States but we have always stayed in touch.
“I have been speaking t o Juliet Cadzow, who plays Edie Mccredie, and she said, ‘why don’t we have a reunion
and all come to Newcastle?’ Can you imagine how much fun that would be bringing everyone to
Newcastle? I am totally up for that.”
I thought it was a bit of a rumour so when it was confirmed I was like, ‘wow.’ I am thrilled for the amazing fans who have campaigned for the show to come back on screen for so long
KIM TSERKEZIE