By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
TG Entertainment Ltd. has named Larkshead Licensing as the new UK licensing agent for the beloved children’s book and TV brand, Tom Gates.
The news of the appointment comes close on the heels of the announcement of a 45-date live stage tour launching in April.
Larkshead Licensing, known for its representation of publishing and entertainment properties, will unveil its strategy at the upcoming Brands & Retail Conference in January.
The partnership aims to extend the Tom Gates licensing program, inspiring children aged 6-12 to engage in creative activities through innovative products and collaborations.
“With an incredibly loyal family fanbase built up by the success of the laugh-out-loud books and TV series, and a 45-date live show coming soon, 2025 is a great time to refresh the Tom Gates licensing program,” said Liz Keynes, Commercial Director of TG Entertainment. “The licensing business is fast-changing, and Larkshead articulated a clear vision embracing new opportunities to bring even more fun, creativity, and confidence into children’s lives.”
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Since its launch in 2011, Liz Pichon’s Tom Gates series, published by Scholastic, has become a global phenomenon. The 23 multi-award-winning books have sold over 16.5 million copies in 47 languages. Filled with handwritten fonts, doodles, and humorous storytelling, the books capture the relatable trials and adventures of Tom Gates at home and school.
The brand’s popularity extends beyond books to the award-winning TV adaptation, The Brilliant World of Tom Gates. Available on Sky Kids, Now, and YouTube, the series features a star-studded voice cast, including Catherine Tate, Mark Bonnar, and Bonnie Langford, and brings the series’ humor and creativity to life.
“We are incredibly honoured to have been entrusted with furthering the licensing journey for this brilliantly successful brand,” said Larkshead general manager Clare Piggot. “We can’t wait to work with the Tom Gates team on new ideas that inspire children to pick up pens, pencils, and paintbrushes and explore their creative sides.”
Piggot says the upcoming Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show will further immerse audiences in Tom’s world with a mix of comedy, music, and audience interaction. The tour kicks off in April at the Rose Theatre in Kingston-upon-Thames before traveling across the UK.
For more information, visit thebrilliantworldoftomgates.com.