A Kind of Spark is a British-Canadian-Irish children's television series created by Anna McCleery, based on the novel by Elle McNicoll. It is produced by the Canada-based 9 Story Media Group, Scotland-based LS Productions and BYU TV for the CBBC. The series follows Addie, a young autistic girl who wants a memorial in her village for the women who were accused witchcraft and persecuted there.
It first premiered on 31 March 2023 on BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom, followed by a network premiere on CBBC and BYU TV. It has also been distributed for streaming on ABC iview (Australia), CBC Gem (Canada), France Télévisions (France), NPO Start (Netherlands), TRTE (Ireland), NRK (Norway), SVT (Sweden), TVNZ+ (New Zealand).
In October 2023, it was announced that the series has been commissioned for a second season. On World Autism Awareness Day 2024, it was confirmed that the 2nd season would premiere on 26 April 2024 in the United Kingdom, and 28 April 2024 in the United States.
Cast Lola Blue as Adeline "Addie" Darrow Georgia de Gidlow as Keedie Darrow Caitlin Hamilton as Nina Darrow Eve Midgley as Audrey Gladstone Evie Elgie as Jenna Grace Wood as Emily Parks Daisy Whitehead as Heather Zac Looker as Frank Hattie Gotobed as Margaret "Maggie" Fraser (season 1) Ella Maisy Purvis as Elinor Fraser (season 1) / Bonnie Bridges (season 2) Emma Tracey as Beth (season 1) Emily Matsa as Sarah (season 1) Bridget Marumo as Robin (season 1) / Dorothy Dangerfield (season 2) Forrest Bothwell as Jude (season 2) Conor Cupples as Finn (season 2) Zahra Browne as Bess Darrow Geoffrey Austin Newland as James Darrow Natasha Alderslade as Martha Bridges (season 2) Andrew Steele as Tom Bridges (season 2) Rosalyn Wright as Iona Gladstone Julia Haworth as Pamela Parks Kate Layden (season 1) / Carol Moore (season 2) as Miriam Jensen Sandra Cole as Mrs. Ross Andrew Readman as Mr. Laird John Draycott as Mr. MacIntosh Amy Marston as Miss Murphy (season 1) James McClelland as Mr Allison (season 1) Ben Willbond as Adam Quinn (season 1) Simon Pickering as Garreth (season 1)
Production Series 1 was filmed in Knutsford, Cheshire. Series 2 was filmed in Northern Ireland. The series features several actors who are neurodivergent, as is also the case for a large portion of the production team.
Episodes Series 1 (2023)
Series 2 (2024)
Reception The series has received critical acclaim. In an article for The Guardian, disability activist and writer Cathy Reay praised the production's commitment to platforming disabled talent in a children's series. Digital Spy's Rachel Charlton-Dailey also praised the series' representation of autistic women.
Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result 2024 Children's and Family Emmy Awards Lead Performer in a Preschool, Children's or Young Teen Program Lola Blue as Addie Darrow 2024 Royal Television Awards NI Best Children's or Animation Series "A Kind of Spark" 2023 Rose D'Or Best Children's Program "A Kind of Spark" 2023 Children's and Family Emmy Awards Outstanding Casting for a Children's or Family Viewing Series "A Kind of Spark" 2023 Royal Television Awards Best Children's or Animation Series "A Kind of Spark" 2023 Broadcast Awards Best Children's Series "A Kind of Spark"
References
External links A Kind of Spark at BYUtv