Fireman Sam: Difference between revisions

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In the original television series produced by [[Bumper Films]] between 1985 and 1994, the firefighters had yellow and black [[uniforms]], whereas in the new [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] television series produced by [[HIT Entertainment]] and Hibbert Ralph, the firefighters had yellow and blue uniforms. {{clarify|date=December 2012}}
In the original television series produced by [[Bumper Films]] between 1985 and 1994, the firefighters had yellow and black [[uniforms]], whereas in the new [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] television series produced by [[HIT Entertainment]] and Hibbert Ralph, the firefighters had yellow and blue uniforms. {{clarify|date=December 2012}}

== Characters ==

===Firefighters===
* '''Fireman Samuel 'Sam' Peyton Jones''' is referred to as the "hero next door", Charlie's older brother and Bronwyn's brother-in-law. He is the brave archetypal [[Firefighter|fireman]] and protector, who remains composed in an emergency and unfailingly offers assistance to all those in need. Sam is single, but maintains a close relationship with his nephew, James, and niece, Sarah. He lives at 3 Vale Road next to Trevor Evans. Sam spends his spare time in his "inventing shed", in which he makes devices ranging from a potato picker made from old bicycle parts to a machine capable of replacing the town band. On occasion his inventive streak can undermine his emphasis on [[fire safety]]. His catchphrase is "Great fires of London." and "Action stations everybody." Voiced by [[Steve Kynman]]
* '''Fireman Elvis Cridlington''' who is named after the [[King of Rock and Roll (disambiguation)|King of Rock and Roll]] [[Elvis Presley]] for his [[Pompadour (hairstyle)|Pompadour]] hairstyle and his admiration of [[Rock n roll]] provides a stark contrast to Sam in both competency and demeanour. His catchphrase is "Great balls of fire." (2008–present season). Steele calls him by his last name. In Dilys' Forgetful Day, Elvis fell in love with Penny and still is. Quite possibly the son of Station Officer Steele. Voiced by [[David Carling]]
* '''Station Officer Norris Steele''' previously '''Station Officer Basil Steele''' is the chief of Pontypandy Fire Station. As a former [[army officer]], he insists upon a high standard of both hygiene and efficiency in the fire station. His catchphrase in the old series was "Now who needs the fire service." but in the new series it is "Action stations men.", which fell out of use in the CGI series. Basil may be married to Doris, a character who does not appear but whom Basil mentions in "Telly Trouble" and "Barn Fire" (Series 1). His first name, however, is changed to "Norris" starting with the feature length "Great Fire of Pontypandy". Voiced by [[David Carling]]
* '''Firefighter Penny Morris''' is the only female member of the Pontypandy [[fire brigade]]. In the original series, she only visited occasionally (hailing from [[Newtown, Powys|Newtown]] fire station), although in the new series, she seems to work at Pontypandy full-time. Penny doubles as a [[mechanic]]. Her ideas are often unconventional and at odds with her male colleagues, but she usually turns out to have been right. Penny is often known to go on adventures with the town's children – James and Sarah, Norman Price and Mandy Flood. A relationship between her and Elvis has been hinted more than once. It is also hinted that Penny is a [[vegetarian]]. Her catchphrase is: "Action stations at last" and "Stand by everybody". Voiced by [[Tegwen Tucker]]
* '''Chief Fire Officer Boyce''' Hails from Newtown, visiting Pontypandy occasionally. Old friends with Station Officer Steele and offered Sam a promotion during Great Fire of Pontypandy. Voiced by [[David Carling]]
* '''Tommy Slikk''' is a new fireman Came From Germany, He was a very Kind German fireman Kid. He Was 12 Years old. Voiced by [[Aaron Albertus]]
* '''Amy Smith''' is another Female Member of Fireman in Pontypandy. She has a Pink Hair. She is a Cheeky Girl. Voiced by [[Kate Harbour]]
* '''Chang Yun''' is a South Korean Fireman. He Could Not Understand English He was a Busy Fireman. Voiced by [[David Carling]]

=== Townspeople ===
* '''Trevor Evans''' is a [[West Indian]] former auxiliary fireman with the Pontypandy brigade. His job is as the town's [[bus driver]]. He is known for his fondness for [[cricket]], his fear of heights, his awkward manner and general bad luck streak, but nonetheless exhibits a great devotion to the welfare of others (especially Dilys). In the 2005 and 2008 seasons, Trevor is no longer an auxiliary firefighter but is still the bus driver, and the spark between him and Dilys still holds strong. Voiced by [[David Carling]]
* '''Mike Flood''' (2003 onwards) - accident-prone [[handyman]] husband of Helen and father of Mandy. He becomes a reserve fireman in the 2008 series. Voiced by [[David Carling]]
* '''Dilys Price''' runs the town [[grocery store]]. She is a well known [[gossip]], and has great affection for Trevor, the bus driver (something which poor Trevor is too shy to act upon). Dilys is the mother of town mischief-maker Norman Price, but is frequently blind to her son's troublesome ways. She dotes on her only child, or "Mummy's Little Darling" or ''My Little Treasure'' as she sometimes calls him. In earlier series', Dilys is shown to be more snobbish than later. She also appears to use [[Malapropism]]s in her speech (EG: 'Inhalation' becomes 'Installation', 'Hysterical' becomes 'Historical'). She is also known to be self-centered; when she and Bella think they are going to be abducted by aliens, Bella says "It's-a coming straight for us!", to which Dilys replies "Stands to reason, if they want an intelligent life forms." while looking disapprovingly at Bella. Voiced by [[Su Douglass]]
* '''Bella Lasagne''' (1985-2003, 2012 onwards) - Bella is the absent-minded town cafe owner, hailing from [[Italy]]. Bella appears to be based on the real [[Welsh Italians]] who ran cafes known as "[[Bracchis]]" in South Wales Valleys. Voiced by [[Su Douglas]]
* '''Helen Flood''' (2003 onwards) - Caribbean born nurse and mother of Mandy Flood. Voiced by [[Su Douglas]]
* '''Tom Thomas''' (2003 onwards) - a [[mountain rescue]] worker who hails from [[Australia]]. Tom is most often seen flying to the rescue in his [[helicopter]] or driving his [[SUV]]. Voiced by [[David Carling]]
* '''Charlie "Charles" Jones''' (2008 onwards) - a [[fisherman]], husband of Bronwyn, Sam's brother, father of Sarah and James. He is also accident-prone, especially in "Poorly Penny" when he caused every single emergency except one. He also becomes a reserve fireman. (2008 season). Voiced by [[David Carling]]
* '''Bronwyn McShell-Jones''' (née Griffiths) (2008 onwards) - runs the [[fish and chip shop]]/cafe, wife of Charlie, mother of Sarah and James, sister-in-law of Sam. Voiced by [[Tegwen Tucker]]
* '''Gareth Griffiths''' (2012 onwards) - Father of Bronwyn, maternal grandfather of Sarah and James, father-in-law of Charlie. He runs the Pontypandy Flyer, which runs on a short, steep heritage railway line up to the base of Pontypandy Mountain. Also known for organising a fireworks party every year and accidentally causing fire when Bronwyn was a little girl. Voiced by [[David Garling]]
* '''Moose Roberts''' (2012 onwards) - A famous mountain climber who appeared in "Mandy's Mountain". He is [[Canadian]], making him the first character to hail from North America. Voiced by [[David Caling]]
* '''Mrs Chen''' (2012 onwards) - Mother of Lily and the teacher of Pontypandy. She is [[China|Chinese]]. Voiced by [[Tegwen Tucker]]
* '''Phylis Abney''' (née Price) Dilys' rarely seen sister who is only mentioned when Norman asks for Dilys hat that she wore to her sister Phylis' wedding. Voiced by [[Su Douglas]]
* '''Roman Flood''' (2015 onwards) - Uncle of Mandy. Brother of Helen. He's a Ambulance Driver . Voiced by [[David Carling]]
* '''Other Peoples''' (2015 onwards) - There are Lots Of People in Pontypandy
* '''Farmer Mark''' (2015 onwards) - a Farmer Lives in the Farm . Voiced by [[David Holt]]
* '''Danny Flood''' (2015 onwards) - a Garbage Man Who carries garbage . Voiced by [[Dave Ward]]
* '''Henry Jones''' (2015 onwards) - a Construction Worker Works in the Construction Site . Voiced by [[Steven Kynmann]]
* '''Johnny Price''' (2015 onwards) - is dilys Husbond and Normans father. He works at the Office. Voiced by [[Keith Wickham]]

===Children===
* '''Sarah Jones''' & '''James Jones''' are the relatively well-behaved five-year-old daughter and son twins of Charlie, niece and nephew of Fireman Sam. They are often more sensible in an emergency than Norman. When they grow up they want to be firefighters like their uncle Sam. They started acting more like naughty twins in the 2008 series (i.e. insulting each other, having arguments, and sometimes being the cause of an emergency, but it is made clear they still care for each other). Sarah is voiced by [[Tegwen Tucker]] and James is voiced by [[Steve Kynman]]
* '''Norman Stanley Price''' is a seven-year-old boy with a love of [[practical jokes]] and [[skateboarding]]. Unfortunately, Norman regularly fails to set appropriate limits on his own behaviour, and has been known to cause mischief and sometimes causes havoc at the fire station, and for many of Pontypandy's residents. He has shown interest in becoming a firefighter himself one day. In the 2008 series, his intelligence went down. In the same series, he received a [[palette-swap]] cousin, Derek (see below). Voiced by [[Steve Kynman]]
* '''Mandy Flood''' (2005 onwards) - Norman's best friend. She is sort of a bridge between Norman and Sarah and James. Voiced by [[Su Douglas]]
* '''Derek Abney''', Norman's cousin, Phylis Abney (Dilys' sister) son. He is a [[palette-swap]] of Norman, minus the glasses & with an English accent. While he seems to be well behaved, he is actually a grade-A prankster such as following Norman into doing the wrong thing. He appears in the 2008 episode "Double Trouble". He also appears in the 2008 movie "The Great Fire Of Pontypandy" and in the 2012 episodes "Jupiter On The Loose" and "Mandy at Sea" Voiced By [[Steve Kynman]]
* '''Lily Chen''' (2012 onwards) - daughter of Mrs Chen. She is the youngest child on the show to date, and as such has a very limited vocabulary and a curiosity that gets her into trouble. Voiced by [[Su Douglas]]

===Vehicles===
* '''Jupiter''' is a bright red [[fire engine]] driven by Fireman Sam, Cridlington & Station Officer Steele and based on a 1974 [[Bedford TK]] (Registration J 999) (1987 to 1994 season), also based on a 1990 [[Bedford 6x4]] (2005 to 2008 season), and also [[Volvo FL6]] onwards. He is always taken to rescues His catchphrase is Siren Say Helps on the Way! Voiced By [[Ben Small]].
* '''Venus''' is a [[Fire apparatus|rescue tender]] driven by Firefighter Penny Morris based on a 1982 Range Rover but as of 2005 onwards, He was loosely based upon a Mini Cooper.. Voiced by [[Maria Darling]]
* '''Mercury''' is a quad bike who was driven by Fireman Sam. (2012 Series) voiced by [[Charlie George]]
* '''Bessie''' is a heritage fire engine. driven by Fireman Sam & Station Officer Steele. (2012 Series) Voiced by [[Teresa Gallagher]]
* '''Ambulance''', Nurse Flood's car is driven by Nurse Helen Flood. (2005 to 2008 season) voiced by [[Tegwen Tucker]]
* '''Mike Flood's van (Mickey)''' Mike Flood's truck is driven by Mike Flood based on a [[Chevrolet Astro]]. (2008 season) voiced by [[Neil Morrissey]]
* '''Wallaby One''' is a helicopter flown by Tom Thomas and based on a 1980 [[Robinson R22]]. (2005 to 2008 season) voiced by [[Richard Pearce]]
* '''Tom's 4x4 (Timmy)''' is a rescue jeep also driven and owned by Tom Thomas and based on a 1976 [[Range Rover]] 4x4. (2005 to 2008 season) Voiced by [[Keith Wickham]]
* '''The Bus (Gus)''' is driven by Trevor Evans and based on a 1975 [[Ford Transit]] (Registration BWS 493T) [[Bedford Dormobile|Dormobile]]. voiced by [[Tim Whitnall]]
* '''Neptune''' is driven by Firefighter Penny Morris, and is a rigid inflatable lifeboat powerful enough to tow a fishing trawler & sailing boat. (2008 season) Voiced by [[Su Douglas]]
* '''Charlie's boat (Ploat)''' is a [[fishing trawler]] that belongs to Charlie Jones. (2008 season) Voiced by [[James Arnold Taylor]]
* '''Pontypandy Flyer (Prain)''' is a Steam Locomotive Driven by Gareth Griffiths. Voiced by [[Steven Kynmann]]
* '''Bluenose''' is a Sailing Boat driven by Dilys Price He is Seen in (2008 to Present) Voiced by [[Keith Wickham]]
* '''Craney''' is Toms Crane in 2005 Series He return in 2008 Series voiced by [[David Holt]]
* '''Hot Air Balloon (Hot)''' is a Hot Air Balloon Seen in What Goes up. Voiced by [[Rob Rackstraw]]
* '''Fly''' is a Jet Plane Seen in Series 4 of Fireman Sam Voiced by [[Steven Kynmann]]
* '''Pumper''' is a Yellow Fire Truck With Red Stripes. Driven by Elvis Cridlington He is Jupiters Best Friend. voiced by [[David Holt]]
* '''Chief Axle''' is a Senior Fire Truck Driven by Station Officer Stelle. He is in Charge of Younger Fire Trucks Voiced By [[Tim Conway]]
* '''Dennis''' is a Vintage Fire Truck. Driven by Officer Boyce he Used to Be in Charge of Chief Axle But He is Retired, He is Based on Early Dennis fire Engine Voiced by [[David Holt]]
* '''Amy''' is a Ambulance Who Driven by Roman Flood Helens Brother She Helps People getting Hurt Voiced by [[Maria Darling]]
* '''Chip''' is a Fish and Chips van Driven by Brownyn Jones Voiced by [[David Carling]]
* '''Rig''' is a Blue Hauler Driven by Dilys Price, Voiced by [[Kerry Shale]]
* '''School''' is an American School Bus Who is Driven By Mrs Chen. Voiced by [[James Arnold Taylor]]
* '''Pluto''' is a Car Who Looks after Animals Voiced by [[Steven Kynmann]]
* '''Mars''' is a Police Car Who Searches a Thief. Voiced by [[Ben Small]]
* '''Tiny''' is a Red Tractor Who Driven By Farmar Mark. Voiced by [[David Holt]]
* '''Scoop''' is a Twin probeller Plane Who carries water Voiced by [[Julie Bowen]]
* '''Blade''' is a Heavy Lift Helicopter Who Loves Carries Cargos. Voiced by [[Kerry Shale]]
* '''Transporter''' is a Military Transport Plane Who Carries Smokejumpers Voiced by [[Kerry Shale]]
* '''Bachoe''' is a Bachoe Loader Who Works in the Construction Site Voiced by [[David Carling]]
* '''Bull''' is a Bulldozer Who Moves Slowly Voiced by [[Kerry Shale]]
* '''Shovel''' is a Excavator, Only female in Construction Site. Voiced by [[Maria Darling]]
* '''Mixer''' is a Blue Cement Mixer Pouring Concrete. Voiced by [[David Holt]]
* '''Dumpbed''' is a Red Dump Truck Carries a Dirt. Voiced by [[Keith Wickham]]
* '''Roll''' is a Steam Roller Who Loves Rolling around. Voiced by [[Steven Kynmann]]
* '''Mobile''' is a Yellow Mobile Crane Who Often Lift the Skyscrapers. Voiced by [[Rupert Degas]]
* '''Fork''' is a Forklift Working in Construction Site. Voiced by [[James Arnold Taylor]]
* '''Drip''' is a Skid Steer Working at Pontypandy. Voiced by [[Rob Rackstraw]]
* '''Tow''' is a Tow Truck Who Loves Towing Vehicles in Danger. Voiced by [[Tim Whitnall]]
* '''Hook N Ladder''' is a Hook and Ladder Truck Who Always Be Carefull on the Roads his Catchphrase is Oh Poopity Poop!. Voiced by [[Aaron Albertus]]
* '''Stinky''' is a Garbage Truck Who Loves Collecting garbage. Voiced by [[Dave Ward]]
* '''Sweeper''' is a Street Sweeper Who Cleans a Roads. His Catchphrase is Sweeper By Name Swep is my Game! Voiced by [[Rupert Degas]]
* '''Hay''' is a Yellow Combine Harvester Works in the Farm. voiced by [[Steven Kynmann]]
* '''Fuel''' is a Fire Tanker Truck Who Often Refules Fire Trucks. Voiced by [[Brad Garret]]
* '''Patrol''' is a Orange Fire Truck Who Often Driven by Sam. Voiced by [[Rob Rackstraw]]
* '''Blue''' is a Blue Fire Truck Who gets Clumsy Everyday Voiced by [[Kerry Shale]]
* '''Chief Seagrave''' is a Senior Fire Truck Who Looks After Chief Axle Voiced by [[Tim Conway]]
* '''Chief Tyrone''' is a Yellow Senior Fire Truck Who is Secend in Charge of Younger Fire Trucks Voiced by [[Rob Rackstraw]]
* '''Squad''' is a Red Airport Fire Truck Works at the Airport. Voiced by [[David Holt]]
* '''Hydro''' is a Green Fire Truck Who is Chief Axles Assistant. Voiced by [[David Carling]]
* '''Hose''' is a Crane Fire Truck with a Hose. Voiced by [[John Goodman]]
* '''Tuggy''' is a Fire Boat Who Often Driven by Elvis Cridlington. Voiced by [[Neil Morrissey]]
* '''Diesel''' is a Fire locomotive With a Hose. Voiced by [[Steven Kynmann]]
* '''Alice''' is a Megaphone Who Calls a Duty Her Catchphrase is Action Time! Voiced by [[Julie Bowen]]
* '''Patrick''' is a Fire Car Who Make Sure the Fires Out. Voiced by [[Rob Rackstraw]]
* '''Presto''' is a Search and Rescue Truck Like a Tow Truck. He is Mischief Like Norman Price. he Like naughty Things. Voiced by [[Maria Darling]]
* '''Hooker''' is a Fire Mobile Crane Who Lift the Hooks. Voiced by [[Neil Morrissey]] He Sounds Like Lofty From [[Bob the Builder]]
* '''Speedy''' is a Yellow Search and Rescue Truck He Often Works with Sam. Voiced by [[Charlie George]]
* '''Speeder and Drifter''' is a Motobike With Sidecar, Speeder is Motorbike and Drifter is Side car. All Voiced by [[Maria Darling]]
* '''Dusty''' is a Seaplane Who Often Takes water. Voiced by [[Dane Cook]]
* '''Blackout''' is a Skid Steer with a Chainsaw he Cuts the Tree. Voiced by [[Rob Rackstraw]]
* '''Mayday''' is a Fire Truck Who Loves Working with Jupiter. Voiced by [[Tim Conway]]
* '''Blade Ranger''' is a Red Helicopter Who Calls a Duty For Fire. Voiced by [[Ed Harris]]
* '''Pumpy''' is a Fire Traction Truck Who Lives in the Museum Then he Leaves the Museum. Voiced by [[Keith Wickham]]
* '''Fruit''' is a Korean Fruit Van Who Sellign Fruit. Voiced by [[Steven Kynmann]]
* '''Benny''' is a Baking Van Selling Cakes and Breeds. Voiced by [[David Carling]]
* '''Safari''' Is a Zoo Truck Works in the Zoo. Voiced by [[Steven Kynmann]]
* '''Ice''' is a Ice Cream Truck Selling Ice Creams. Voiced by [[Maria Darling]]
* '''Harry''' is a Hot Rod Car Who Shows off. Voiced by [[Neil Morrissey]]
* '''Skateboards and Go Karts''' are the Un Engine Vehicles in 2008 Series
* '''Silver''' is a Silver Luxary car Belongs to Pontypandy voiced by [[David Holt]]
* '''Tommy''' is a Blue Tow Truck Lifting the Cars. Voiced by [[David Holt]]
* '''Percy''' is a Royal Mail Van Who Delivers a Mail. voiced by [[Rob Rackstraw]]
* '''Mayor Panty''' is a Yellow Car Who Loves Doing Judge. Voiced by [[David Carling]]
* '''Officer Stan''' is a Grumpy Police Car Who Cares of Mars. Voiced by [[David Carling]]
* '''Jetter''' is a Jet Ski Who Loves Speeding Up. voiced by [[David Holt]]
* '''Wheelie''' is a Green Motorbike Who Loves Cleaning About voiced by [[Kerry Shale]]
* '''Legger''' is a Police Van Who Takes Care of Mars voiced by [[Kate Harbour]]
* '''Hank''' is a Green Senior Fire Truck Who Looks After Younger Fire Trucks. Voiced by [[Tim Conway]]
* '''Pinecone''' is a Loadel carriying Trees. Voiced by [[Tegwen Tucker]]
* '''Avalance''' is a Skid Steer with a Bulldozer Blade. Voiced by [[Keith Wickham]]
* '''Dynamite''' is a Car smokejumper Being Rescue. Voiced by [[Maria Darling]]
* '''Campter''' is a Camper Van Who own By Sam. Voiced by [[Keith Wickham]]
* '''Gunky''' is a Fire Amphibious Vehicle Driven By Trevor Evans. Voiced by [[Steven Kynmann]]
* '''Pulaski''' is a Yellow Fire Truck With Blue Stripe. Voiced by [[Patrick Warburton]]
* '''Ryker''' is a Yellow Airport Fire Truck Who Always Be Grumpy. Voiced by [[Kevin Michael Richardson]]
* '''Union''' is a Yellow Fire Truck Who Loves Being Cheerful. Voiced by [[David Holt]]
* '''Chuck''' is a Blue Senior Fire Truck Who Loves Being Cheeky. Voiced by [[Kerry Shale]]
* '''Hazard''' is a Yellow Bomb Squad Who Takes Busy Days. Voiced by [[Rob Rackstraw]]
* '''Katie''' is a Purple Fire Truck With Pink Hair. Voiced by [[Tegwen Tucker]]
* '''Ryan''' is a Yellow Rail Fire Truck Rans on the Rails Voiced by [[Keith Wickham]]
* '''Dig''' is a Red Fire Digger Who Often Digs a Sand to Save a Whale. Voiced by [[Joe Mills]]
* '''Hooky''' is a Tall Crane With a Face on the Hook. He Loves Working at Construction Site. Voiced by [[Maggie Ollerenshaw]]. He is the Only Male Character to Have Female Voice Actor
* '''Andy''' is a Red Fire Dept Ambulance Working at Pontypandy. He Loves Saving People From Fire. Voiced by [[Steven Kynmann]]
* '''Harry''' is a Fire Hovercraft. He Loves Floats on Water. Voiced by [[David Carling]]
* '''Steamy''' is a Red Clumsy Steam Shovel. He Nearly Gettting Hurt. His Catchphrase is Whoops a Daisy! Or Whoops!. Voiced by [[Steven Kynmann]]
* '''Violet''' is a White Fire Truck With red Stripe. She is Jupiters Girlfriend. Voiced by [[Jules de Jongh]]
* '''Stanley''' is a Blue Fire Truck He Has Blue Star Shaped with red Nose He Always Sneezes, all Day His Catchphrase is Ah Ah Atchoo! Voiced by [[Danny Katiana]]
* '''Lucy and Pat''' are the Fire Truck Twins. Lucy has a Hose. and Pats got a Ladder. All voiced by [[Jules de Jongh]]
* '''Hercules''' is a tugboat Who Loves Dockside. voiced by [[Nigel Whitney]]
* '''Terry''' is a Container Truck Who Works at the Harbour. Voiced by [[Kerry Shale]]
* '''Cargo''' is a Container Ship Who carries Cargos. Voiced by [[Joe Mills]]
* '''Leppy''' is a Harbour Crane Lifting a Cargo. Voiced by [[Steven Kynmann]]
* '''Taxi''' is a Taxi Car Who Takes Peoples. Voiced by [[David Holt]]
* '''Bigfoot''' is a Monster Truck Who Loves Jumping. Voiced by [[Keith Wickham]]
* '''Rosie''' is a Wrecking Ball Crane Smashes a Locations. Voiced by [[Teresa Gallagher]]
* '''Shane''' is a Flat Bed Lorry Who takes Cars Out. Voiced by [[David Carling]]
* '''Poodle''' is a Payloader Who Loves Digging. Voiced by [[Danny Katiana]]
* '''Grace''' is a Grader Digs a Mud. Voiced by [[Rob Rackstraw]]
* '''Tricky''' is a Trecked Fire Truck Who Moves Slowly. Voiced by [[John Hasler]]

===Non-Vehicles===
* '''Saturn''' is a device that can look for people using infra-red heat. Voiced by [[Kevin Michael Richardson]]

===Animals===
* '''Rosa''' (1985-2005) - Rosa is Bella's temperamental [[cat]].
* '''Dusty''' (2005) - Dusty is a stray dog, usually found hanging around the fire station.
* '''Woolly''' (2005 onwards) - Woolly is a [[Sheep|lamb]] who Norman Price adopts after they were rescued from a mountainside but his mother Dilys doesn't allow the sheep in the shop including in Norman's room.
* '''Lion''' (2008 onwards) - Lion is Bronwyn's pet cat who seems to have replaced Rosa.
* '''Radar''' (2008 onwards) - Radar is the fire station's own fire dog, a dalmatian. He is very fond of Mandy.
* '''Nipper''' (2008 onwards) - Nipper is Bronwyn's sister's dog.
* '''Lambykins''' (2008 onwards) - Woolly's little lamb.
* '''Norris''' (2012) - Norris Is Sarah's and James's Pet Guinea Pig, he is named after Station Officer Steele's first name while Cridlington was being silly and he took equipment away to find Norris when he hid in the cellar and he chewed the wire and a fire started and Cridlington also suddenly called Station Officer Steele, Station Officer Guinea Pig.

===Other===
* '''Bentley the Robot''' is one of Fireman Sam's inventions that appears in the episode of the name. At one point, Norman Price swaps his control cassette for a video game cassette, discarding the former and causing Bentley to act out the game while grabbing and throwing objects within reach; one such object is a can of [[Kerosene|paraffin]] which rolls into the fire station and starts leaking. Eventually, the flow reaches Penny Morris, who is busy [[welding]] a [[locker (cabinet)|locker]]; as she finishes, sparks from her [[blow torch]] ignite the paraffin. Meanwhile, Sarah and James find Bentley's genuine control cassette and give it to Fireman Sam, who reactivates Bentley and orders him to go inside to save Penny, who has passed out from the heat. Sarah and James receive [[wikt:certificate|certificate]]s for their actions and Bentley receives a medal, who is so pleased that he malfunctions, his head spinning around while repeating the line "Delighted, I'm sure". Also appears in Fireman Sam in Action. Dialogue from this episode was sampled by the group Bentley Rhythm Ace in their track "Let there be Flutes". He Will Return in 2015 Series Voiced by [[Steven Kynmann]]
* '''Marjorie''' is a [[ukulele]] that belongs to Trevor Evans and when they have ideas to take thing to use, Trevor always cuddles the ukulele and says '''Marjorie Stays With Me''' and Trevor finds Marjorie precious. Voiced by [[Su Douglas]]


==2003–2005 series==
==2003–2005 series==

Revision as of 21:34, 21 April 2014

Fireman Sam
Fireman Sam logo
Created byDave Gingell
Dave Jones
Rob Lee
Jonathan Lewis-Oliver
Patrick Lambton
Adam Lyons
Sam Lambert
Written byNia Ceidiog
Rob Lee
Voices ofJohn Sparkes
Steve Kynman
Joanna Ruiz
Sarah Hadland (2005)
David Carling
Su Douglas
Tegwen Tucker (2008-present)
Ben Small
James Arnold Taylor
David Holt
Keith Wickham
Neil Morrissey
Kerry Shale
Teresa Gallagher
Maria Darling
Martin Sherman
Tim Whitnall
Richard Pearce
Charlie George
Kevin Michael Richardson
Tim Conway
Rob Rackstraw
Julie Bowen
Patrick Warburton
Dane Cook
Dave Ward
Ed Harris
John Goodman
Brad Garret
Aaron Albertus
Rupert Degas
Joe Mills
Maggie Ollerenshaw
Jules de Jongh
Danny Katiana
Ifan Huw Dafydd
John Hasler
Nigel Whitmey
Narrated byJohn Alderton (1987-1994)
Gareth Lewis (Welsh)
Mark Moraghan (2015-Present)
Music byBen Heneghan
Ian Lawson
Country of originWales
United States
No. of series10
No. of episodes167 (list of episodes)
Production
ProducersIan Frampton
John Walker
Running time10 minutes (series)
20 minutes (Christmas special episode)
Production companiesBumper Films, S4C, (1985-1994) Hit Entertainment (1996-present)
Original release
NetworkS4C (Wales)
BBC One (United Kingdom)
CBeebies (United Kingdom)
Sprout (United States)
Release17 November 1987 –
present

Fireman Sam (Welsh: Sam Tân) is a Welsh and American animated children's television series about a fireman called Sam, his fellow firefighters, and other townspeople in the fictional Welsh rural town of Pontypandy (a portmanteau of two real towns, Pontypridd and Tonypandy, which are situated approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) apart in the South Wales valleys). The original idea for the show came from two ex-firemen from Kent. They took their idea to artist/writer Rob Lee who developed the concept for them. The finished concept was then presented to S4C who saw the potential in the series and commissioned it.

Fireman Sam first appeared in Welsh on S4C in 1985 and later in English on BBC1 in 1987. The original series finished in 1994, but a new series which expanded the character cast commenced in 2005. The series was also shown in Gaelic in Scotland, where it was known as Sam Smalaidh. The series has been sold to over 40 countries, from Australia to Norway and is used across the United Kingdom to promote fire safety.

In 1996, a stage production was turned into a feature, Fireman Sam In Action and released on BBC Video.

Fireman Sam has recently been adapted into a Live musical theatre show, which began touring the UK in June 2011.[1]

The show was broadcast in English and Welsh at the same time, but on two different channels – in English on the BBC, in Welsh on S4C. The show's Welsh title is "Sam Tân". The theme tune (excluding the lyrics) and characters are the same.[2]

The show's production companies were Bumper Films and Siriol Productions (2002–present), and its distributors were British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Sianel 4 Cymru (S4C).[3]

In 2009, Fireman Sam teamed up with over 100 animated characters, such as Big Chris (from Roary the Racing Car), Bagpuss, Postman Pat, Peppa Pig, Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps, Ben 10, Thomas the Tank Engine and SpongeBob SquarePants for a Children In Need single. The single was put together by Peter Kay.[4]

In 1988, the series was nominated for a BAFTA TV Award for Best Short Animated Film. The potential recipients were Ian Frampton and John Walker.[5]

Development

The original idea for Fireman Sam came about from two ex-firemen from Kent – Dave Gingell and Dave Jones. They approached Mike Young, creator of Superted in Barry, Wales and asked them to further develop their concept. The idea was then brought to S4C's Director of Animation, Chris Grace, who saw potential in the idea and commissioned the series. Grace had previously commissioned Superted, which had achieved success across the United Kingdom and worldwide. The characters and storylines were created by Rob Lee, an illustrator from Cardiff, and the program was produced using stop-motion. It could take up to 4 days to produce 1 minute of this form of puppet animation. Fireman Sam has to this day been translated into over 25 different languages including Mandarin.[6] Remarkably, in the first four series, all the character voices were performed by John Alderton (in English) and Gareth Lewis (in Welsh). The later series used several actors' voices. Voice direction in Welsh was by Pat Griffiths.

English-language version of series one to four

The series originally comprised 32 ten-minute episodes and a 20-minute Christmas special. The narration and character voices were done by John Alderton (and by Gareth Lewis in the Welsh version).

Sam is the protagonist in the show, and interacts with both colleagues at the fire station and local townspeople. He is seen as somewhat of a hero in the village. Being so small, and with so little activity, it sees its fair share of fires, in which Sam and his team can easily handle.

In the original television series produced by Bumper Films between 1985 and 1994, the firefighters had yellow and black uniforms, whereas in the new CGI television series produced by HIT Entertainment and Hibbert Ralph, the firefighters had yellow and blue uniforms. [clarification needed]

2003–2005 series

Between 2003 and 2005, a new "Fireman Sam" series was produced by Siriol Productions (now known as Calon TV), comprising twenty-six episodes, each ten minutes in length. These episodes used more modern techniques of stop-motion animation including mouths that move with the dialogue. This series featured all the original characters, but also introduced some new faces, such as Tom Thomas, the Australian pilot of rescue helicopter Wallaby One, and the Flood family; consisting of Mike the plumber, his wife Helen the nurse, and their daughter Mandy. The characters in this series were voiced by John Sparkes, Joanna Ruiz and Sarah Hadland. The Welsh version aired on S4C in 2003, and the English version premiered on 4 April 2005 and aired on CBeebies. As of today, this series now airs on Milkshake! and Cartoonito.

2008–present series

Pontypandy is now a seaside fishing village instead of a village set deep in the hills as in the early series, though most of the locations have retained their appearances. Another change in this series is that the twins' parents appear for the first time; their new-age mother, Bronwyn, and fisherman father Charlie, Sam's brother, who run a cafe/fish-and-chip shop – The Whole Fish Cafe.

Many characters also had aspects of their personalities made more apparent. Norman Price is far more mischievous and inconsiderate than in the 2005 series, where his pranks were often planned out and his accidents were due to badly planned ideas rather than outrageous schemes. For example, in the episode Pontypandy Extreme, Norman gets trapped down a wishing well after attempting to climb down in order to retrieve the coins from the bottom.

Other examples are Station Officer Steele's strictness and maturity and Elvis's decrease in general competence. For example, in one episode where a first aid training exercise is taking place, Elvis is told off by Steele for dancing with the dummy that is being used. At the same time, Steele is not afraid to unleash the child within him, showing an interest in kite flying and paper planes. He also occasionally causes emergencies himself, and always seems to gasp when an emergency comes in.

Other changes include the removal of Bella, although her cafe can still be seen opposite Dilys' shop, now a 7-Eleven-esque convenience store called the "Cut Price Supermarket". It seems the Whole Fish Cafe and Bronwyn and Charlie have replaced them. Penny also now has another string to her bow, as she is a trained lifeguard and the driver of Neptune (the town's lifeboat). Also Rosa and Dusty have been replaced by Lion, Nipper, and Radar.

To follow up the series, the show saw its first feature length episode, The Great Fire of Pontypandy, released straight to DVD and shown in select cinemas during 2010. It was also released on the UK iTunes Store on 6 April 2010.

Theme tune

The series had a theme tune composed by Ben Heneghan and Ian Lawson. The lyrics were written by Robin Lyons, and sung by Maldwyn Pope. A full-length version was also released on BBC Records, which was the same as the TV series version, albeit without the slap bass which was heavily featured.

The verse of the song alternates between notes a fifth apart – the intention being to suggest the sound of a fire engine siren.

The same composers wrote a new arrangement of the theme tune for the 2005 remake, although this time in straight quavers rather than the 'swung' twelve-eight of the original theme. Robin Lyons also updated the lyrics. This version was sung by Cameron Stewart, singer and guitarist with the Cardiff-based function band Session.,[7] and also the originals outfit Calling Madison.

The theme song from the 2003 version was re-used for the CGI Series, albeit shortened.

Episode List and Movies

Main article: List of Fireman Sam episodes

Critical response

The ABC website said of the series, "All the characters blend together into an appealing mixture of fun and entertainment for children everywhere."[8]

The Entertainment Store Group described the show as, "The ultimate rescue show for preschoolers [that] has been on-air for over 16 years and can be seen in over 80 countries worldwide in 31 different languages. Particularly strong with boys aged two to six years, Fireman Sam promotes responsibility, respect for others and a can-do attitude." They added that "Entertainment Store Group is proud to represent Fireman Sam exclusively in Australia!"[9]

Fireman Sam: The Great Fire of Pontypandy was given a critical analysis on the website Raising Children Network. The film was rated G, and was advised for children aged 5 and up. The genre was children's animated adventure, the length was 63 minutes and the release date was 28 October 2010. It commented on the prevalent themes, namely "the threat of fire; accidents and rescues". The review continued by stating some of the scenes which could potentially scare or disturb children under 5, such as when "Mike falls off the roof of a house into the harbour, and struggles to stay afloat". The review concluded by stating some discussion points for parents with their children: "The main messages from this movie are about helping people in need and pulling together as a community. The movie also looks at the bad things that happen when you do the wrong thing. Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include selflessness, and care and concern for others. This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about real-life issues such as stealing, lighting fires, and ignoring safety instructions."[10][11]

Fireman Sam (2004) was given an analysis at commonsensemedia. It was advised for ages 3 and up, and was given a rating of 4/5 stars. The show was given a "The Good Stuff" rating of 3/5, which the site stating, "Sam shows how to stay calm in a crisis. He also relies on his team to help him solve problems." Under the section entitled "violence & scariness", the site comments that "Some of the fires and other crises that Sam faces may frighten the youngest viewers, but everyone is always safe in the end." The site explains that parents need to know that "Young viewers will be delighted by the stop-motion animation (which creates soft visuals), the colorful backdrops of the charming Welsh village, and the funny dialogue. Sensitive viewers may need a parent nearby to help them understand that all of the characters are safe in the end." On a potential language barrier, the site comments, "The distinctly Welsh characters, community, accents, and expressions may pose some minor comprehension problems for kids on this side of the pond, but overall it's good exposure to another part of the world."[12]

FIREMAN SAM: Cat Magic was given a negative review at website Trick or Treat Tales, "Cat Magic", from the last season, sees the stop-motion replaced with generic, poorly-executed CGI animation, and the series loses all interest (the stop-motion was the main draw of the series in the first place). The new voice work is particularly grating, as well. And worst of all: this story has zero to do with Halloween or trick-or-treat...You can skip Trick or Treat Tales."[13]

The 1987 set Fireman Sam To the Rescue! (released on DVD on 1 July 2008 by HIT Entertainment) was given a review at DVDTOWN.com, summarised with "If you have a toddler or preschooler who likes Bob the Builder, there's a chance this one will also be a hit. Though there are less vehicles, there are more children, and the plots are just as rescue-based." The DVD was assessed on 4 qualities: Video (7), Audio (7), Extras (1) and Film value (7).[14]

Foreign broadcasters

Country Title Network
Wales Sam Tân S4C
UK Fireman Sam/Firemen Sam CBeebies
Germany Feuerwehrmann Sam KiKA
Super RTL
France Sam le pompier France 5
Scotland Sam Smalaidh BBC Alba
Australia Fireman Sam/Firemen Sam ABC
Hungary Sam, a tűzoltó Minimax
JimJam
Italy Sam il pompiere Rai Yoyo
Rai 2
Boomerang
Netherlands Brandweerman Sam VARA
Kindernet
RTL 8
JimJam
Poland Strażak Sam TVP1 (former)
MiniMini+
Polsat JimJam
Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Switzerland O Bombeiro Sam
Požárník Sam
Pompierul Sam
Feuerwehrmann Sam 		JimJam
Norway Brannman Sam NRK Super
Slovenia Gasilec Samo RTV Slovenia
Qatar سامي رجل الإطفاء (Sami ragul al-Itfaa') Baraem
Israel סמי הכבאי (Sami ha-kabai) Hot
Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia Fireman Sam/Firemen Sam JimJam Asia

References

  1. ^ "Fireman Sam News". Retrieved 4 January 2011.
  2. ^ "Trivia for "Fireman Sam" (1987)". Retrieved 4 January 2011.
  3. ^ "Company credits for "Fireman Sam" (1987)". Retrieved 4 January 2011.
  4. ^ "Kay "proud" of Children In Need song". Retrieved 4 January 2011.
  5. ^ "Awards for "Fireman Sam" (1987)". Retrieved 4 January 2011.
  6. ^ "About Sam". Retrieved 4 January 2011.
  7. ^ "The Ultimate Wedding and Function Band". SessionUK. 2013. Retrieved 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  8. ^ "Fireman Sam at ABC". Retrieved 4 January 2011.
  9. ^ "Fireman Sam at Entertainment Store Group". Retrieved 4 January 2011.
  10. ^ "Fireman Sam: The Great Fire of Pontypandy at Raising Children Network". Retrieved 4 January 2011.
  11. ^ "Fireman Sam: The Great Fire of Pontypandy at Hoyts". Retrieved 4 January 2011.
  12. ^ "Fireman Sam at commonsensemedia". Retrieved 4 January 2011.
  13. ^ "Trick or Treat Tales (Barney, Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, and MORE)". Retrieved 4 January 2011.
  14. ^ "Fireman Sam To the Rescue! [TV show] (DVD)". Retrieved 4 January 2011.

External links

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