James Campbell presents: The Accidental Show 15 Sept 2021, a free weekly children’s zoom-based chat show featuring authors, illustrators, crafts and the news Online every Saturday morning from 10am 2nd October – 4 th December 2021.
A weekly children’s light entertainment chat show, The Accidental Show brings culture, creativity, news, and silliness to children across the world via Zoom. Season three of the show launches this October and runs for 10 weeks, featuring Accidental Show regulars James Campbell, Kirsten O’Brian (CBEEBIES, SMart) and James Mayhew, and introducing new child presenters Daphne, Thomas and Kate, plus sheep co-star Griff.
Launched in January 2021, The Accidental Show was initially a lockdown creative workshop to give children a break from online school learning. As audience numbers increased the project naturally grew from workshop into live show with interactive elements.
As a Zoom show the project offers a live and visually connected in person event feel, like being in a theatre or at a festival. Guests are different each week but include a mixture of authors, illustrators, musicians and comedians who are suitable for children! Previous guests include Chris Riddell, Karl Hyde, Adam Stower, Stewart Foster, Lisa Thompson, Jo Nadin, Zeb Soanes, James Mayhew, Rob Jones, Swappna Haddow and Katherine Rundell.
With the attendee microphones largely on mute during the show, children are welcome to hum, draw, sing, dance, paint, do whatever they like throughout the hour, making the shows accessible to all young people, whether neurodiverse or neuro-typical. This second season also introduces a segment celebrating and sharing the art, hobbies, and interests of young people across the board.
James Campbell said, “It’s so much fun hosting my own TV show. If you’re a child you like it. Unless of course you would rather remove all your bogeys and then line them up in alphabetical order. Or have a staring competition against a cat. Or paint a monkey. If you would rather do those things then go for it. But surely it’ll be better to watch The Accidental Show. Either accidentally or on purpose.”
The Artiscape spoke to creator, the children’s comedian and author James Campbell:
The creator and founder of the ever-popular Comedy D 4 Kids, James has also written numerous kid’s theatre shows including The Onomatopoeia Society, Spinistry of Moonerism and Cutlery Wars. His children’s books include Boyface and the Quantum Chromatic Disruption Machine, Boyface and the Tartan Badger, Boyface and the Uncertain Ponies, Boyface and the Power of Three And A Bit, The Funny Life of Pets, The Funny Life of Sharks, The Funny Life of Teachers, and Write Your Own Funny Stories, all published by Bloomsbury.
Since 1996 James has visited over two and a half thousand schools around the world giving readings and workshops, and has appeared at festivals such as Hay on Wye.
Can you tell me how the Accidental show came about and developed?
James: On the day that Boris announced the third lockdown, I thought it would be a good idea to offer a workshop to anyone who fancied some writing and drawing. I thought I could get some of my illustrator friends to do something. I didn’t know really. I just had this feeling that I needed to start something.
There was such a huge response to this that I quickly realised that it had got too big to be a workshop. It had accidentally become a show.
What did you find were the main challenges for children in online learning?
James: I can only speak from my own experience. The obvious problem is that they are not literally in the same room as you. There are many distractions and it’s not always possible to feel the room. On the plus side though, I love that the children can control their own space, be comfortable in it and also share something of their life. Pets in particular often turn up in The Accidental Show.
What did you find were the main challenges for children in online learning?
James: I can only speak from my own experience. The obvious problem is that they are not literally in the same room as you. There are many distractions and it’s not always possible to feel the room. On the plus side though, I love that the children can control their own space, be comfortable in it and also share something of their life. Pets in particular often turn up in The Accidental Show.
What do you believe is the key to keeping children engaged?
James: Momentum. And confidence in what I’m trying to deliver. If you believe in what you are teaching , children respond to that. If you are going with the flow of what is right and truthful, the universe will help you.
What can an audience expect to get with this new series?
James: I think this time we have a new confidence in what we are doing. New authors. Children co-hosts. And of course Griff the Sheep. I think it’s going to be a mixture of interesting stuff, doing things creatively whilst watching; celebrating neuro-diversity; and a lot of giggling and laughter.
@comedycampbell | #AccidentalShow | www.accidental.show
Running Time: 1 hour | Suitable for ages 4-11 years (approx.)
Company information
Created by: Co-presented by: Technical manager:
James Campbell Kirsten O’Brien; Daphne; Tom; Kate; Griff the Sheep Lewis Hall
Guests this season include: Dom Conlon; Zeb Soanes; James Mayhew; Adam Stower;
Oct – 4 Dec 10am, live every Saturday morning Online Tickets: Free Book via www.accidental.show for Zoom link
Supported by Arts Council England
