Author AH Proctor’s heartwarming Poem ‘Arthur’s Christmas Tale’ is brought to life to raise awareness of homelessness.
Acclaimed Scottish children’s author AH Proctor is best known for her Thumble Tumble books, set on the mystical Isle of Arran. However, she is also known for using her writing talents to champion good causes. In the past, her books have raised funds for the Beatson Cancer Charity. Additionally, she has also supported the work of Scottish Libraries and helped improve literacy across our Scottish Primary Schools.
Where It Began
In her newest venture, the author sees her written word transformed onto the big screen. ‘Arthur’s Christmas Tale’, started life as a heartwarming poem, but is now a glorious stop motion animation. The journey for Arthur all began back in 2019. Angela was asked by a group of primary children to help them raise awareness of homeless children and families. Thus was borne Arthur, a homeless pug, whose selfless act of kindness on Christmas Eve became a poem.
Fast forward four years later and the poem is brought to life by Scottish animation company Clubhouse Animations Ltd. ‘Arthur’s Christmas Tale’ will be shown at independent cinemas across Scotland to help raise funds for Shelter Scotland. And additionally, the icing on the Christmas cake? The world premier of this amazing animation will be held on Thursday 23rd November. At our very own Grosvenor Picture Theatre on Ashton Lane!
The Contributors
In considering the project, the author says, ‘When I started the project, my vision was to have a story that shines a light on the problem without stereotyping, or fuelling the stigma that can sometimes be
associated with homelessness, and I am confident Arthur’s Christmas Tale will do just that. If we can encourage cinemas in every town and city across Scotland to show the animation it will have a huge impact in helping raising awareness and much needed funding’.
Sharryn McKelvie, Shelter Scotland’s Senior Community Fundraising Area Manager says
‘As of 31 March 2023, there were 15,039 households in temporary accommodation, 9,595 of them children, the highest number recorded. Between April 2022 and March 2023 another 32,242 households became homeless – this is the equivalent of a household losing their home every 16 minutes.’ She goes on, ‘Angela has turned her short story into a small, animated movie, “Arthur’s Christmas Tale” to raise vital funds this winter, in aid of Shelter Scotland. Thank you for donating and joining our fight.’
And how did the animators at Clubhouse Animations find the project? Eleanor Stewart, Director, says ‘Angela’s brief for the film was to tell a heart-warming tale that would raise awareness of homelessness at Christmas, and the importance of thinking of others at this time of year. Using handcrafted puppets and sets, we brought the adorable pug Arthur, rough sleeping James and wickedly lovable Jack Frost to life using the magic of Stop Motion Animation.’
The magical ‘Arthur’s Christmas Tale’ premiers at The Grosvenor Picture Theatre on Thursday 23rd November. Thereafter, catch it at selected independent cinemas during trailers in the month of December.
For more information visit – thumbletumble.co.uk/news
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