BBC Three is preparing to launch its latest coming-of-age drama, titled Crongton, which is based on the best-selling novels by acclaimed author Alex Wheatle. The series is set to premiere on Monday, March 24, 2025, on BBC Three and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
The show comprises 10 episodes, each lasting approximately 25 minutes, making them easily digestible for viewers who enjoy binge-watching. The narrative is set in a fictional inner-city housing estate and follows the life of a young boy named Lemar 'Liccle Bit' Jackson, exploring the struggles he and his friends face as they navigate societal pressures and personal challenges.
A notable factor in the development of Crongton is its strong connection to Wheatle's book series, particularly Crongton Knights, which received The Guardian's Children's Fiction Prize in 2016. The show aims to stay true to the essence of the novels, offering a real and relatable portrayal of contemporary youth.
When discussing the protagonist Lemar, Wheatle said, “He’s [Liccle Bit] like any young guy, he just wants to be trending with everybody else. He wants his hair cut in the way that all the cool boys wear. He wants to wear the right trainers, the right clothes, and he's got a crush on a girl, Venetia, and his super skill is that he's a fantastic artist, but he's shy.”
In the same vein, Wheatle elaborated on the character of Venetia stating, “She’s very talented with her dancing and acting. And she has a best friend, Saira who is a refugee.” The author emphasized that the characters in the show come from diverse backgrounds, each facing their own unique struggles while supporting each other through their youthful escapades. He said, “All of our characters come from very different backgrounds, like Jonah, his family came from South Africa and McKay, who just lost his dear mother who he was very close to. So they're all an eclectic bunch, but they're all facing their own difficulties in their home life.”
Wheatle's original work is brought to life by writer and comedian Archie Maddocks, who has expressed enthusiasm about maintaining the authenticity of the narrative. Ahead of the series launch, Maddocks stated, “Alex's books are so real, raw and authentic that it was kind of easy to maintain the essence of that.” This commitment to authenticity is expected to resonate well with a youthful audience.
The open casting call was integral to assembling the cast, emphasizing inclusivity and providing opportunities for underrepresented talents in the UK. Newcomer Samson Agboola leads the cast as Liccle Bit. He is joined by Nielle Springer as Venetia, Noah Cox as Mckay, Seyi Andes-Pelumi as Jonah, Safia Hamad as Saira, and Sophie Spatariu as Juniper.
The extended cast boasts notable names, including Seraphina Beh from Top Boy as Elaine, Bunmi Osadolor from Boarders as Manjaro, and Savannah Steyn, known for her role in House of the Dragon, as Mo. The series will also feature cameo appearances from comedians Eddie Kadi, Michelle de Swarte, and Munya Chawawa.
As anticipation builds for the debut, Crongton looks poised to capture viewers' attention, particularly following the BBC's recent successes with teen dramas. The earlier series, Boarders, achieved a remarkable 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, suggesting that audiences are eager for fresh narratives that reflect the experiences of young people.
In conclusion, Crongton promises not just a captivating narrative about friendship and personal growth, but also serves as a mirror reflecting the multifaceted lives of today’s youth. With a talented and diverse cast, and a deep commitment to authenticity, this new series is set to become a significant addition to BBC's lineup of compelling dramas.
