Don't Be Horrid Henry

The story behind the boy in the blue and yellow jumper

Copyright

Welcome to the Animated Substack, where I give the story behind famous cartoons each week. Join the growing band of followers to get Scooby Snack from the Acme Corporation direct into your inbox.

This week it's the turn of the British classic Horrid Henry. Unusually, this was a very popular book by Francesca Simon before it came to our screens in the shape of Horrid Henry.

A simple format (think Dennis the Menace and Diary of a Wimpy Kid) and, in the books, the excellent artwork of Tony Ross.

A Slice of History

First shown on 30th October 2006, each episode is around eleven minutes long, and there are an incredible 250 episodes and two specials to pick from; my favourite one has to be The Heist for its misdirection.

In 2013 my eldest daughter and I went to a talk given by Dave Irwin, the director of the show, who said that each episode cost around £50,000 to make, so investment in the cartoon has been crucial to its success.

The series has been broadcast in over 90 countries but started its life on CITV in  Britain. In 2018, it was broadcast on Nicktoons and quickly became the channel's most popular show. In 2019 the show was the third most-watched animation across all the UK’s commercial TV stations, and in the same year, CITV lost the rights to Nickelodeon to show the cartoon.

In 2020, after the successful release of Horrid Henry’s Wild Weekend Novel, Entertainment (the show's makers) said that they would now make some hour-long shows for Netflix.

Parents often have mixed views about Horrid Henry, but I come down on the side of taking the show at face value and think that Henry’s mischief only comes about to solve what he sees as problems.

The Plot

Each episode follows a familiar plotline. Henry is prevented from doing something or made to do something by either his parents, teacher or younger brother. He will often have an idea saying, “Eureka! That’s it”, where he will devise a cunning plan to solve his problem, which, by the end of the show, often fails.

Like many other successful animations, the show’s plot has a regular array of characters that helps offer cohesion to the storyline.

Characters

Horrid Henry

Henry is a little like the British Dennis the Menace. Dennis would have a red and black jumper, whereas Henry has a distinctive blue and yellow one. He often has good ideas that can backfire on him and is excellent at trying to avoid tasks and playing tricks on others, as you would expect. He is always looking to get out of work and school and will enlist his friends in his plans.

Henry has a pet hamster, Fang, who he confides in and will sometimes accompany him on his missions.

Perfect Peter

Henry’s younger brother is the opposite of Henry. He is a nemesis of Henry as he will often scupper his plans as he tries to remain his perfect self. His instrument playing, homework doing, and parental manipulation can irritate your own rebel inside.

Mum & Dad

These two are always trying to stop Henry in his tracks and say, “Stop being Horrid Henry.” most of the time. Although Henry’s antics harass them, they can seem wet in the show and do little by way of parenting.

Moody Margaret

Margaret, Henry’s next-door neighbour, always tries to trick him or tell others about his wrongdoings. She is constantly on the lookout to trap Henry when she spots one of his plans and will occasionally succeed, to Henry’s frustration.

Miss Battleaxe 

Henry’s class teacher is exactly as her name would suggest. She is pointy and mean to Henry and anyone she feels is wrong. Again, like Mum, Dad, Peter and Margaret, she stops or tries to stop Henry's plans.

Many other characters at Henry’s school and extended family keep the animation well structured for viewers who may be regular fans or watch a few episodes.

Spin-Offs

The show has created several spin-offs and, as technology has developed, has taken advantage of this in its almost 17-year history. These include clothing, toys, and soundtrack CDs in 2008 and 2020. 

Video games have sold well since 2009, selling over 100,000 to date and as technology has improved, apps have also been solid downloads.

The show has done well with live performances and has toured the UK twice since it started, where it sold associated merchandise. Along with this, there have been radio shows and a podcast hosted by the voice of Henry, Lizzie Waterworth.

Fun Facts

• In Wales, Horrid Henry is known as Henri Helynt.

• In 2011 a film was made starring Richard. E. Grant, which took $10.1 at the box office

• Henry Attends Ashton Primary School

• Henry doesn’t have a last name.