Discworld Monthly - November 2022 - Issue 294 - The Amazing Maurice
1. Editorial
Welcome to issue 294 - This may well be the last issue we send out this year - so let me wish you all the very best in whatever end of year celebration you celebrate.
Since the last issue we've been to the Manchester Animation Festival and really enjoyed watching an advanced screening of The Amazing Maurice (see our review later). We hope you get to see The Amazing Maurice either via Sky Cinema or preferably on the big screen at a cinema near you. Please let us know what you think of the film once you've seen it. We'd love to hear what you liked or disliked about the adaptation.
There is a whole bunch of merchandise coming soon from The Amazing Maurice.
We've included mini reviews of many of the products in this issue.
Jason
Hello all,
2022 was a bit of an insane year, with Discworld events finally happening again after two years of nothing.
For me personally, events make the Discworld community a great place to be.
Having spent two years not seeing the fandom together en masse, a return to events was a tonic I didn't think I needed.
Here is a run down of the places we've been this year.
We've run Llamedos Holiday Camp Dragon Trials,
We went to the UK Discworld Convention,
We rocked up to the launch of Rob Wilkin's book Terry Pratchett: A Life With Footnotes,
We stalked Rob to his talks in three different cities (and got a dream moment in charge of a whole Bookshop with just him and our mate Jeff whilst the manager went off site after the talk).
We travelled to MCM London to hug a big furry Maurice and watch the short documentary The Making of The Amazing Maurice.
We bombed it up to Manchester Animation Festival to watch The Amazing Maurice at an advanced screening and we hugged the big furry Maurice again.
And fingers crossed we'll be at a celebration screening of the film too.
It's been a nice way to ease ourselves back into the universe (only joking.. It's been manic).
On top of it all, we've been hunting down merchandise, setting up our Bookshop.org and updating bits of our website.
We've also been trying to celebrate 25 years of Discworld Monthly, and whilst life meant we didn't get to have a celebratory dinner, we did see swathes of fans all over the place.
N.B. We do have something planned for our 30th year though… we cannot let another big anniversary go by without celebrating it properly!
Both Jason and I have written reviews of The Amazing Maurice so head down this issue to find out what we really thought of this much anticipated film.
And with Hogswatch looming over us, I want to thank you all for your support over the last 12 months and I wish you all a very Happy Hogswatch and an amazing Year of the Querulous Megapode!
Rachel
P.S. BTW this issue is HUGE! I apologise for extending your coffee break and making you open your wallet/purse with tears in your eyes because you want EVERYTHING! Just buy the Blu Goblin Amazing Maurice statue and the world will be fine.
ONE LAST THING…
For a last moment celebration, Discworld Monthly will be attending the Maxime cinema in Blackwood, South Wales for the Sat 17th December 12.30 showing of The Amazing Maurice.
We'll be there as Rincewind and Twoflower and it would be a wonderful and fitting tribute to Terry to fill the cinema with Discworld fans!
This is not an organised event, just buy a ticket and shout HELLO at us, and maybe join us afterwards in a pub/cafe wherever for a drink!
Details of how to book tickets are in section 2.1.2 below.
2. News
2.1 The Amazing Maurice - Everywhere and Everything
Below is the amalgamation of all the information I can find about where to see The Amazing Maurice. I know there will be some country omissions but until that information appears in my usual hidden haunts, I don't have it.
If you spy an omission and you have a link to a cinema in your country giving a release date, please email us at rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk
BTW If you spy The Amazing Maurice Furry mascot in a shopping centre near you, please let us know as fast as you can. He's already been to Birmingham and Edinburgh and I cannot get a list of where he is visiting next (I have tried!) The hashtag for socials is #MauriceMallTour
If you are interested in my inner thoughts about the publicity for the film, I have jotted them down for your pleasure later in this issue.
Now go watch the film .. or at least book tickets!!!
2.1.1 Where to see The Amazing Maurice in the UK - In your own home.
From Fri 16th December 2022 Sky will have The Amazing Maurice on its Sky Cinema Listings.
If you subscribe to Now Cinema, Virgin Media or BT TV you may have access to Sky Cinema. If you do, you should be able to watch The Amazing Maurice through your TV / PC / Laptop / Tablet / Phone.
If you don't have access to any of the above - NOW Cinema does offer a 7 day free trial! (just make sure you DON'T do this before the 16th December and make sure you cancel it otherwise you will get charged 11.99GBP for the month)
Below is a link to the a free trial offer through demandtv
2.1.2 Where to see The Amazing Maurice in the UK - In Cinemas
This one is tricky. Whilst we were consistently told it would get a cinema release, we are struggling to find anywhere showing it.
We've been informed that it will be shown on 90 screens in the UK. If you see one advertised locally please let us know.
It seems to be small independents and small chain cinemas who have picked the film up as none of the big chains such as Vue, Cineworld or Odeon have it listed at all.
Here is what we know, this list is not exhaustive and there may be places close to you that are showing it, but we haven't found yet.
We already know of one cinema that won't be showing it until the new year so keep an eye out and let us know so we can share that information via our social media channels.
THE POLY - Falmouth in Cornwall.
- Fri 16th December - Screening at 14.00
- Sat 17th December - Screening at 14.00
Tickets: 7.00 /5.50 GBP each. Allocated seating (a 1 GBP Poly Fund is added to each ticket sold)
Location: The Poly, 24 Church Street, Falmouth, TR11 3EG
MAXIME CINEMA - Blackwood in South Wales.
- Sat 17th December - Screenings at 10.00 and 12.30
- Sun 18th December - Screenings at 10.00 and 12.15
Tickets: 4.25 GBP each. Allocated seating (includes booking fee)
Location: Maxime Cinema, 196 High St, Blackwood NP12 1AH
THE CINEMA CAMPUS WEST - Hertfordshire
- Sat 17th December - Screening at 10.05
- Sun 18th December - Screening at 10.05
Tickets: 9.50 - 10.25 GBP each. Allocated seating
Location: Campus West, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6BX
North Wales: Theatre Colwyn (a small historic theatre / cinema) in Colwyn Bay, North Wales have said that they have it scheduled for after Christmas but can't confirm dates yet.
COMING SOON
THE SAVOY CINEMA CHAIN - Corby, Nottingham, Grantham, Boston, Worksop and Doncaster.
All have The Amazing Maurice listed as Coming Soon.
This means they will be showing it but haven't made tickets and dates available yet.
MUCH LATER
The Amazing Maurice LIVE!
A very special screening of the film will take place at Alexandra Palace Theatre with a LIVE orchestra. [don't know why they are saying a live orchestra, who wants to see a dead one? - Rach]
This will take place on Sunday 9th April 2023 with two screenings.
The 11am performance is in aid of Cats Protection , the UK's largest feline welfare charity.
The 2.30pm afternoon performance will be extra-special with Gabrielle Aplin singing live alongside the orchestra, performing songs she wrote for the film.
Tickets are 25.95 GBP - 111.95 GBP per showing.
Location: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY
2.1.3 How to see The Amazing Maurice everywhere else.
Let's start with some special screenings in Australia.
AUSTRALIA
SPECIAL SCREENING - Prospect, South Australia
This is a special fundraiser for the next Australian Discworld Convention.
Where: Palace Nova Prospect, 98 Prospect Road, Prospect, South Australia
When: Saturday, December 10, 2022
Time: 2:30pm for a 3pm start
Price: 21.00 AUD
Find out more about the screening and buy tickets from the Australian Discworld Convention website
Don't forget to check out their market stall before the show and enter the raffle for some great amazing prizes!
Where: Dendy Cinemas (Canberra, Coorparoo, Newtown, Portside and Southport)
When: Sunday 18th December 2022
Time: 10:30am
Tickets: Adult 22 AUD, Child 16 AUD
Note: Please make sure you select the correct cinema.
Limelight Cinemas (Ipswitch, Tuggeranong and Morayfield)
From 12th January 2023
South Africa
SK Cinemas (Ster Kinekor) chain of 60 cinemas across South Africa will be showing the Amazing Maurice from 22nd December 2022.
Worldwide
It appears many countries will be getting The Amazing Maurice hitting cinemas in 2022 and 2023. As to what cinemas and exactly when, for a lot of countries is still a bit hazy or at least I cannot find confirmed information for. I can tell you release dates and if your country is showing it. I cannot tell you if your country isn't showing it because, well they don't tell anyone that. I have done my best to collate all the information I have solid sources for.
Confirmed dates based on UK GMT timings.
- UK - 16th December 2022
- Russia - 16th December 2022
- India - 16th December 2022
- USA - 6th January 2023 in selected cinemas - 13th January 2023 Nationwide
- Canada - 13th January 2023
- Australia - 12th January 2023
- New Zealand - 12th January 2023
- Turkey - 20th January 2023
- Sweden - 20th January 2023
- France - 1st February 2023
- Germany - 9th February 2023
No confirmed dates, but CONFIRMED countries that will get it.
- Italy
- Spain
- Portugal
- Israel
- Poland
- Hungary
- Romania
- Middle East
- Scandinavia
- Norway
- CIS and Baltics
- Czech Republic
- Slovakia
- Bulgaria
- Former Yugoslavia
- Taiwan
- Vietnam
- South Korea
- Benelux
- South Africa
- Brazil
2.2 The Amazing Maurice Merchandise
As the days drift by, more and more Amazing merchandise is being released onto the world. Don't forget to enter our competition to win some of the goodies which we brought back from MCM London with us!
Here is the lowdown on what is available in the UK.
2.2.1 Cats Protection
Cats Protection has a plethora of items available for you to purchase from either your local cats Protection store or online.
Here is the list of Cats Protection items and prices.
- The Amazing Maurice A5 Notebook - Green - price 6.50 GBP
- The Amazing Maurice A5 Notebook - Orange - price 6.50 GBP
- The Amazing Maurice A6 Notebook - Green - price 5.00 GBP
- The Amazing Maurice Ceramic Mug - 6.99 GBP
- The Amazing Maurice Pen - 3.00 GBP
- The Amazing Maurice Socks - 4.00 GBP
- The Amazing Maurice JigSaw 500 XL - 12.00 GBP (note this one is different to the Laurence King jigsaw)
Available from Jan 2023
- The Amazing Maurice Shopping Bag - 3.00 GBP
- The Amazing Maurice Drawstring Bag - 5.00 GBP
All of these are available online at Cats Production Store
2.2.2 From Forbidden Planet
Forbidden Planet has a huge swathe of items for your perusal.
From T-shirts to postcards, they have it all.
Some will be available at their London store, all will be available from their online store. Please purchase from our affiliate links. It helps pay for our website and other costs.
The Amazing Maurice: Postcard Set: Characters
Nine postcard prints featuring characters from The Amazing Maurice.
Featuring the characters: Maurice, Malicia, Keith, Sardines, The Rat King, Dangerous Beans, Peaches, Darktan and Nourishing.
Priced: 6.99 GBP
To purchase, please use our affiliate page
The Amazing Maurice: Mug: Rats
The family that cons together, stays together.
An exclusive ceramic mug from The Amazing Maurice Range!
Price: 5.99 GBP
To purchase, please use our affiliate page
The Amazing Maurice: Coaster: Maurice
A con is only as good as its mastermind… luckily this one has nine lives. An exclusive coaster from The Amazing Maurice range of merchandise - only available at Forbidden Planet!
Priced: 3.49 GBP
To purchase, please use our affiliate page
The Amazing Maurice: Enamel Pin Badge: Maurice
A con is only as good as its mastermind… luckily this one has nine lives.
Show your love for Maurice with this exclusive enamel pin badge!
Priced: 6.99 GBP
To purchase, please use our affiliate page
The Amazing Maurice: Art Print: Maurice
Avert cat-trasophe with this exclusive Art Print based on the film The Amazing Maurice!
Print size: 11X14'' or 27cm x 35cm
Due for release on 18th November 2022.
Priced at 7.99 GBP
To purchase, please use our affiliate page
Amazing Maurice: T-Shirt: Maurice
Also available as Amazing Maurice: Women's Fit T-Shirt: Maurice
Avert cat-trasophe with this exclusive T-Shirt based on the film The Amazing Maurice! 100% cotton. Black T-shirt with orange coloured Maurice print.
This item will be ordered from our supplier and is made to order. This item may take up to 28 days to dispatch. Your account will only be charged when the item is shipped.
Due for release on 18th November.
Sizes available : S (34-36"), M (38-40"), L (42-44"), XL (46-48"), XXL (50-52"), XXXL (54-56"), XXXXL (58-60")
Womens fit sizes available : S (8-10), M (10-12), L (12-14), XL (14-16), XXL (18-20)
Priced at 15.99 GBP
To purchase, please use our affiliate page
Amazing Maurice: T-Shirt: Big Swindle
Also available as Amazing Maurice: Women's Fit T-Shirt: Big Swindle
Every story needs a heroine, trust her she knows: she's read all of them.
Complicate the plot with this exclusive T-Shirt based on The Amazing Maurice!
100% cotton. Black T-shirt with purple coloured The Big Swindle print.
Sizes available : S (34-36"), M (38-40"), L (42-44"), XL (46-48"), XXL (50-52"), XXXL (54-56"), XXXXL (58-60")
Womens fit Sizes available : S (8-10), M (10-12), L (12-14), XL (14-16), XXL (18-20)
Priced: 15.99 GBP
To purchase, please use our affiliate page
Amazing Maurice: T-Shirt: Purr-Fect Adventure
Also available as Amazing Maurice: Women's Fit T-Shirt: Purr-Fect Adventure
A simple tale about a cat, a boy, a girl….and several thousand rats.
Start your own adventure by picking up this exclusive The Amazing Maurice T-Shirt! 100% cotton. Black T-shirt with emerald green coloured Purr-fect print.
Sizes available : S (34-36"), M (38-40"), L (42-44"), XL (46-48"), XXL (50-52"), XXXL (54-56"), XXXXL (58-60")
Women's fit sizes available : S (8-10), M (10-12), L (12-14), XL (14-16), XXL (18-20)
Priced: 15.99 GBP
To purchase, please use our affiliate page
Amazing Maurice: T-Shirt: The Rat King
Also available as Amazing Maurice: Women's Fit T-Shirt: The Rat King
Every story has a villain, but every great story needs a great villain.
Suck up to the "Boss Man" with this exclusive T-Shirt based on The Amazing Maurice! 100% cotton. Black T-shirt with warm grey coloured The Rat King print.
This item will be ordered from our supplier and is made to order. This item may take up to 28 days to dispatch. Your account will only be charged when the item is shipped.
Due for release on 18th November.
Sizes available : S (34-36"), M (38-40"), L (42-44"), XL (46-48"), XXL (50-52"), XXXL (54-56"), XXXXL (58-60")
Womens fit Sizes available : S (8-10), M (10-12), L (12-14), XL (14-16), XXL (18-20)
Priced: 15.99 GBP
Due for release on 18th November.
To purchase, please use our affiliate page
Amazing Maurice: T-Shirt: The Rats Also available as Women's Fit T-Shirt
The family that cons together, stays together.
Endure the rat-race with this exclusive The Amazing Maurice T-Shirt!
100% cotton. Black T-shirt with turquoise coloured Rats print.
Sizes available : S (34-36"), M (38-40"), L (42-44"), XL (46-48"), XXL (50-52"), XXXL (54-56"), XXXXL (58-60")
Womens fit Sizes available : S (8-10), M (10-12), L (12-14), XL (14-16), XXL (18-20)
Priced: 15.99 GBP
To purchase, please use our affiliate page
2.2.3 From Lots of Places
The Amazing Maurice 200 piece Jigsaw
Laurence King Publishing will be producing a beautiful 200 piece jigsaw featuring characters from the new movie The Amazing Maurice.
The jigsaw includes a pull-out poster identifying all the characters and telling their tales. The finished size of the puzzle will be 36 cm x 49.5 cm
Whilst it is aimed at the same market as the film, adult fans of the book and movie will equally love assembling this wonderful piece of merchandise.
I personally found it fun to put together, the wall paper patterning really threw me. It didn't take forever to put together and I will do it again quite happily. - Rach
Priced at 14.99 GBP, it will be available at all good book and toy shops, you can order yourself or your loved one a copy now from our affiliate link page.
The Amazing Maurice Catch That Rat Memory card game.
Laurence King Publishing is releasing a card game featuring 25 of your favourite character images from the film.
This will be a memory game where you have to find and match a pair of matching cards. The game will also include a booklet identifying all the characters and telling their tales from the movie.
The cards are printed on really sturdy cardstock, much thicker than I anticipated it would be. Having played lots of this kind of game over the years ,I don't think I've ever come across one that looks like it would survive the kind of abuse a two year old would inflict upon it. Gameplay wise, it is a simple matching pairs game, but a very pretty looking one.
A wonderful gift for the youngsters in your family or for the young at heart,
Priced at 12.99 GBP, it will be available at all good book and toy shops from the 27th October but you can pre-order yourself or your loved one a copy now from our affiliate link page.
2.2.4 From The Amazing Maurice Website
The Amazing Maurice website has a huge array of items from T-shirts, hoodies, beanie hats, mugs and framed prints.
We could list them all here but we would be here until Christmas 2023. So Here is a couple of images of what is available through their website.
We own a couple of their T-shirts. They are really good quality and worth what we paid for them, just bea little cautious that the colour of the screen doesn't actua;ly match what you receive. I ordered an Autumn coloured Maurice - Always lands on his feet t-shirt and it is much darker than the image shows.
2.2.5 The Big One - The Amazing Maurice Statue from Blu Goblin
If you want the BIG item, this is it.
An actual CAT sized hand painted statue of Maurice. These will be a limited edition and are made to order with 10% of the price going to Cats Protection - the UK Cat charity.
The official sizing and information from Blu Goblin…
A hand-painted polystone sculpture of Maurice striking a sly but contented pose, this purr-fectly ornamental collectible measures a mighty 30 x 31.6 x 37.4cm and is, in every way, amazing!
They are not on sale yet, but will be in a couple of weeks. We had the pleasure of handling one in the flesh at MCM London. They are worth every penny.
How much are they going to cost? We genuinely don't know at the moment. If you have seen the Terry Pratchett bust, then you have an idea.
If you want to know more, the wonderful peeps at Blu Goblin have given you an opportunity to get your hands on an exclusive Maurice pin badge. (Note this is open to UK residents only).
Blu Goblin will send pins out to the a lucky 100 (UK residents) who sign up to their newsletter using this link.
Take a look at our very short video of Maurice.
2.6 Amazing Maurices Book Releases
2.6.1 The Amazing Maurice special edition paperback.
The first will be the Special Edition paperback. This special edition paperback will include an exclusive look at how Terry first imagined the Amazing Maurice!
Released on 1st September 2022 R.R.P. 7.99 GBP
2.6.2 The Amazing Maurice film tie in paperback
The Film tie in paperback edition - The book that inspired the big-hit new film. Read before you see it! With amazing extra content, from scripts to film art.
This edition was released on the 29th September and will also have a R.R.P. 7.99 GBP
You can pre-order this via our affiliate links page.
2.6.3 The Amazing Maurice: The Art of the Film By Ramin Zahed
Hardback - Due for release 20th December 2022
R.R.P. 34.99GBP
Publisher: Titan Books Ltd
ISBN: 9781803361536
Number of pages: 192
Dimensions: 273 x 302 mm
The official art book for the animated movie The Amazing Maurice, based on the Carnegie Medal-winning Discworld novel by Terry Pratchett Maurice is a streetwise talking tomcat who comes up with a money-making scam by befriending a group of talking rats and finding a dumb-looking kid who plays a pipe. When Maurice and company reach the stricken town of Bad Blintz, they meet a bookworm called Malicia and their scheme soon goes down the drain.
The Art of the Film is a coffee table hardback celebration of the creative process of bringing The Amazing Maurice to life, including exclusive concept designs, character sketches, storyboards and production art, alongside insight from the artists, filmmakers and directors.
You can pre-order yourself a copy through any of our affiliate links on our affiliate page.
Purchasing through them helps us keep Discworld Monthly free to our readers as it helps pay some of our costs.
3. Review: The Amazing Maurice Film
Review by Jason
Having seen the "making of" documentary a few weeks before I had some idea of what to expect from this adaptation. My main hope was that it would be respectful of the source material. I didn't require it to be 100% faithful as otherwise it would be many hours long.
The film starts with a musical number (this would normally have me packing up and leaving the cinema but it seemed to be appropriate to the film and gave some useful exposition) but soon after settles into being a normal film.
The characterizations are very good and the voice acting is brilliant. It was very easy to just suspend belief and become involved in the story which moves on at quite a pace. The confrontation with the ratcatchers came around very quickly. It appears that more film time has been allocated to the second half of the book.
One of the first things I noticed is that the film version has dropped the character Ham 'n' Pork (in the book the leader of the educated rats). In the film version Darktan comes over as the leader. This is a small change that I think is appropriate.
I also love the animated pictures from the book and would love to get my own copy in the future.
The animation quality is brilliant and the comic timing is just about perfect (or purrfect if you prefer).
There are some lovely nods to Discworld fans within the film. It's fun trying to note all the easter eggs - I'll let you make your own list.
I loved the cameo of some other well known Discworld characters popping up in the film.
One of the people who watched the film with us hasn't yet read The Amazing Maurice (but they have read some other Discworld novels) and they also loved the film so it appears to appeal beyond the direct fandom. The younger children that were in the audience were very enthusiastic after the film and there was plenty of laughter from the audience which can only be a good sign.
I guess you can tell that I am very much taken by The Amazing Maurice and can't wait for it to come out in December so I can watch it again.
Review by Rachel
OK, deep breath. This is a spoiler free zone. Or at least as spoiler free as you can make a review of an adaptation of one of the fandom's most loved books where we all know the story.
I have watched about three hours worth of clips, trailers (in various languages - my German is getting better as a result of watching that one), mini documentaries, the making of documentary and I have seen so many stills that I could probably make an animated flip book of the film with them.
What can I tell you about the film?
The Amazing Maurice is bold, very bold as in bright, intelligent and most firmly, boldly Pratchett.
Unlike a lot of animations, this one does not dumb itself down for it's audience. Like the book it's adapted from, it treats its young audience exactly like they were the older audience who came to see it because it's a Pratchett film.
Some would see that as a fault in the film, but it really is the film's strength.
No matter how old you are, you will laugh at the funny bits, get teary at the sad bits and gasp at the scary bits. This is because the filmmakers didn't hold back on keeping Pratchett's voice and tone from the book firmly in the film.
When I saw it, there were a huge amount of kids in the cinema. And what a joy it was to have them there. They belly laughed at all the bits that were funny, they gasped at the scary moments and they cheered when cheering was required.
Exactly at the same time as the bunch of Pratchett fans who, let's be fair, left childhood behind a long time ago… Which tells those who were observing, everything.
The animation work is beautiful, the "lighting" of each scene was glorious to look at and in almost every scene, my eyes worked hard trying to spot all the Discworld easter eggs that are everywhere, there are so many little details in every scene.
To those who know Discworld, it adds to the amazing storyline so much that you need to watch the film several times to catch them all! (I foresee a new drinking game appearing in some houses!)
This film was made by two small animation studios who obviously had massive Pratchett fans working on the film, the love they have for the story shines through in every single scene.
You don't need to have read the book to enjoy this telling of that tail.
This film stands very firmly on its own four furry paws.
4. The Amazing Maurice publicity. Why expectations didn't meet reality.
By Rachel-Anthony-Rowlands
I have worn my fingers to the bone trying to collate ALL the information for you about where, when and how to see The Amazing Maurice.
I've also been waiting on that Amazing Press pack we were promised that has not materialised. (I was hoping to have that by now so I could share things from it - when it does show up, look out for our updates on social media).
Whilst I did my very best to get certain bits confirmed by the distribution companies and the cinema chains, many don't answer emails which has led to moments of screaming at the screen by yours truly… So as ever, all the information contained above here was correct at the time I wrote it.
So now comes the passionately ranting bit.
As Discworld Monthly, we do seem to be the only people screaming about the film.
There may be trailers on Sky and a big furry Maurice appearing in shopping centres. A big celebrity filled screening will be happening on Sunday 4th December in Kensington Palace, but we are really not seeing anyone else actually talking about it.
(Just don't ask me where you can hug the furry Maurice - No one will tell me and I emailed all the right people - just google #mauricemalltour and I also have no clue how to wrangle tickets for the big celebrity screening either.)
Hugh Bonneville mentioned it in passing on The One Show, but with just a couple of weeks until it gets released, there seems to be a distinct lack of shouting from rooftops.
We have read some small reviews in things like Empire magazine (avoid that one - Ben Travis doesn't get Pratchett humour), but we are not seeing it appear everywhere like we were led to believe it should be.
I personally, [Jason will kill me for publicly saying this] am very frustrated at the lack of care shown to this film with regards to publicity.
I see the film as being really important for Terry's legacy, as we need the younger generation to be introduced to his stories as I am constantly seeing bookshop shelves devoid of any Pratchett books, or they only stock a couple. How are the younger generation ever going to discover his magical stories?
This is why the film is important and why I am seriously frustrated. It puts Pratchett's stories on the screen, whether it be in their homes or in the cinema.
Micro diversion rant incoming….
Who are they aiming the merchandise at anyway ? It's certainly not the young audience that the film is aimed at.
Notebooks at six pounds each, T-shirts and hoodies at a lot more than that, two different jigsaws, a really simple to play card game, pin badges and postcards, ceramic mugs, coasters, really expensive prints and not a single thing that a kid can cuddle unless a beanie hat is what your kid is into. These are mainly Adult Fan items….. so..
- WHERE are the toys? The plushies? The set of hard plastic rats, Maurice and other action figures with a wind up Mr Clicky and the Rat king that has 40 rats inside it?
- WHY can't I buy a plush pencil case in the shape of Maurice with a zip up its back?
- WHERE are the stationary sets with a ruler, rubber, sharpener and a pencil, and the lunch boxes with Peaches on?
- WHY can't I buy a cat bowl like the one Maurice eats out of in Malicia's kitchen?
- WHY isn't there a Mr Clicky cat toy ? They teamed up with Cats Protection for the love of all that is Pratchett… So why can't I get a cat bed with Maurice and the rats printed all over it?
- WHERE is MY Maurice Happy Meal toy??????????????
ARGGHHH So many missed opportunities here….
Oh and a really expensive Live Orchestra performance of The Amazing Maurice where most tickets are fifty quid plus EACH!
Some of these merchandise things may actually exist in a year's time, but in my opinion that is a little too late.
I know why we haven't got any of these things. The Amazing Maurice isn't a big Dreamworks or Pixar production and so the merchandising opportunities are limited because companies don't want to take a risk on a small film. Equally though, the decisions made with regards to merchandise are a little bizarre.
Whilst I can totally understand the Blu Goblin Limited Edition sculpture for the Discworld fans to purchase, a plushie is the most sought after item for a film like this.
The severe lack of a single rat or Maurice plushie for the (small and big) kids is beyond my comprehension.
Micro rant over..
The things I wanted from The Amazing Maurice are kids cuddling plushie Maurices, using Peaches lunchboxes and most importantly, reading the books.
Yes I am passionate, yes I am majorly riled and yes I shouldn't have written this here. BUT, I know every reader here is also passionate and also possibly as riled as I am ...
So help us shout about the film, buy a slightly overpriced (but actually really good quality) Maurice t-shirt and wear it proudly.
If you can afford it, buy a copy of the film tie in paperback and give it to the kids in your family (or the local school or library).
If you feel inclined, write a review when you see it (we'll publish them happily).
Most of all, TELL PEOPLE ABOUT IT!!!!!
I've done my best to give some of you a way to watch it for FREE …. I killed myself trying to find out where it would be on the big screen all over the world…
Watch it. Love it. Scream in the garden at the missed opportunities…
5. DiscTrivia
This month Jason has written five more trivia questions, this time all relating to The Amazing Maurice (novel not film.)
Q1. What is unusual about the rat tails caught by the ratcatchers?
Q2. What did Keith give the ratcatchers as an antidote to the poison?
Q3. What item of clothing does Darktan wear?
Q4. What is the name of "The Book" that the rats read from?
Q5. What special gift did Maurice give to Dangerous Beans?
The answers can be found at the end of this issue.
6. Birthdays
Everyone has a birthday. If you know someone who would like a mention or if you would like your birthday included in the listings, send us an email the month before your birthday and we will add it to the list! Email rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk Subject: Birthday
Happy December Greetings to: Pallas Jade, Martin Holloway, Sean Bell, Marita Arvaniti, Karlyanne Bantock, Gill Milford-Scott, Sharon O'Connor, Margaret Rouke, Charlotte Le Grys, James Serjeant, Hannah Boron, Roisin Rowlinson, Cathie McEvoy, Wendy Blaser, Paul Stevens, Andrew Knight, Freya Tarttelin, Nicole Landy, Kerri McCaffrey, Hilary Lucas, Sebastian Barwinek, Andy Loveridge, Marc Simonetti, Ian Whybrew, Rob Grundy, Susan Hagstrom, Professor Dave Corne (Happy 60th), Amy Atkins, Tim Brown, Lau LeiaTortoise Twenteas, Ella Farley, Karen Stropkovic, Steve Lewis, Steve Himel, Issac Olding, Robert Mansridge, Lynne Presley, Tabitha Olschewski and Peter Helmer Madsen.
7. Readers' Letters
If you have any letters or comments, please email them to oook@discworldmonthly.co.uk
We assume any correspondence is eligible for use in the newsletter unless otherwise stated, including the sender's email address. Your letters may appear dramatically different to how you sent them as we may let a furry orange cat and his friends try to read them and then make a boat out of them.
It is vitally important that you don't pass off other people's work as your own. If you use information from other resources please let us know so we can give proper credit.
We make an editorial decision on what letters to include. Sometimes the opinions expressed in a letter are not the same as our own but we reserve the right to publish them nevertheless. You might not like the content of the letters we publish and we encourage you to write in your own constructive letters explaining your points of view. We will not shy away from including letters that question our views and expect our readers to be able to accept that not everyone has the same point of view on all subjects.
* From: "Gary Waldron" gary.waldron@gmail.com
I thought I should tell you I thoroughly enjoyed the Blaine Community Theatre's production of Wyrd Sisters [21st - 30th October 2022 - Jason] in Blaine Washington USA! STP would be proud.
Jason replies: Thanks for this concise review Gary. This was a new listing to us. Please if you see that a local group is going to be putting on a Discworld play please let us know. Email rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk or oook@discworldmonthly.co.uk with any details you have and we'll add them to our stage productions page
* From: "Panda E" englpan@yahoo.com
I remain grateful to you for your dedication of time, energy, travel, expense and HEART as you work (I can see it IS work as well as joy) at attending, supporting, networking, promoting, reporting and honoring the work of Sir Terry.
After these decades of devotion, I can understand if you just said, we've done enough. I am thankful for each issue of DWM. I am thankful for you. Now I am going to PayPal to do my bit to support YOU and your bigger-than-most-people-can-understand mission.
Jason replies: Thank you Panda for your kind contribution.
* From: "McCallum, Craig"
I am one of the unfortunates who bought and paid for this book [The Ultimate Discworld Companion] on 27 October 2021 from Discworld.com
It was dispatched on 26th October, it has yet to arrive.
A second copy was dispatched and arrived overnight on 4th November.
It was one of the batch of known defective copies, unfortunately they come sealed so you don't know until you know. Discworld Emporium – Eilis is so delightful- informed that Dunmanifestin will sort me out with a proper copy, Harry there mailed me on Monday (7/11/22) to say he'd get one in post.
I still await the book. Ian, Discworld Emporium, has mailed me this am to say I should hear from Harry -Dunmanifestin- again today
Bit of a mess that hopefully will happily resolve but wanted to make you aware in case you have some defective copies on your affiliated page.
Jason replies: Thanks for the information. If you have purchased a copy of the Ultimate Discworld Companion then we suggest you take it out of its wrapping and check it. Apparently there is a known issue with a small number of the book - but it's hidden within the pages. Apparently it is quite obvious if your copy has the problem - we haven't yet seen images of the issue if we sound a bit vague here. If you do have a copy with the issue you will need to contact the store you purchased the book from and pass on your details. They will be able to arrange replacement copies. Please don't leave the book wrapped up for the future. Act today and check - there are only so many replacement copies available. If you want to wrap them again after we suggest you get some acid free tissue paper which will protect your book but also allow it to breathe.
* From: "Dave Hough" davehough831@yahoo.co.uk
I have hundreds of Discworld Stamps, as do lots of other people.
Now, it appears pretty obvious to me that I have to keep them somewhere--wrong!
We need, instead of countless reproductions of the same books a Discworld Stamp Album, just an hardback folder type with printed pages we can keep all our Stamps from Discworld.
Apparently, I have been told, it's too costly and no call for it.
I and thousands of others disagree.
I have now had to stop buying the stamps-whats the point in buying them
Jason replies: Rachel is the stamp collector in our family. She recommends A4 Stock book stamp albums. They can be picked up fairly cheaply on popular auction sites. She suggests that the plain covers can be decorated however you like. Rachel replies: German Stamp Stock books are the best. I own several.
8. Productions
It's great to see productions pop-back up on the schedule. If you see a production local to you please send us as much information as possible (in case we don't know about it) to either oook@discworldmonthly.co.uk or rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk
8.1 Current and Upcoming Productions
For more details of these current and upcoming productions visit: Pratchett Stage Productions
- The Shakespeare Codex - Auditions in Essex, UK, UK (Auditions Thurs 24th Nov, Thurs 1st Dec, Thurs 8th Dec and Thurs 15th Dec.)
- Guards! Guards! - Open Auditions in Ryhl, Wales, UK, UK (Auditions 1st December 2022)
- Wyrd Sisters in Chorley, Lancashire, UK, UK (1st - 2nd December 2022)
- Guards! Guards! - Open Auditions 2nd Date in Ryhl, Wales, UK, UK (Auditions 5th December 2022)
8.2 New and Updated Productions
These productions are new this month or have been updated. For our full list visit: Pratchett Stage Productions
[New: UK] Thalian Theatre Group presents The Shakespeare Codex - Auditions as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: 69 Chapel Street, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9LR
Dates: Auditions Thurs 24th Nov, Thurs 1st Dec, Thurs 8th Dec and Thurs 15th Dec.
Times: Auditions 8pm. Rehearsals every Monday and Thursday 8pm-10pm
Website: Thalian Theatre Group
[New: UK] Rhyl Liberty Players presents Guards! Guards! - Open Auditions as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: Rhyl Little Theatre, 17 Vale Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire, LL18 2BS
Dates: Auditions 1st December 2022
Times: 7:30pm
Box office: 01745 342229 / littletheatrerhyl@gmail.com
/ www.rhyllittletheatre.co.uk
[New: UK] Parklands High School presents Wyrd Sisters as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: Parklands High School, Southport Road, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 1LL
Dates: 1st - 2nd December 2022
Tickets: 5GBP, 3GP Concs, 10 GBP Family
Box office: 01257 264596
Website: Parklands High School
[New: UK] Rhyl Liberty Players presents Guards! Guards! - Open Auditions 2nd Date as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: ASK Centre, 9 Water Street, Rhyl, Denbighshire
Dates: Auditions 5th December 2022
Times: 7:30pm
Box office: 01745 342229 / littletheatrerhyl@gmail.com
/ www.rhyllittletheatre.co.uk
[New: UK] Loft Theatre Company presents Wyrd Sisters as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: The Loft Theatre, Victoria Colonnade, Leamington Spa, CV31 3AA
Dates: 29th March - 8th April 2023
Times: 19:30
Box office: lofttheatre.savoysystems.co.uk
Website: Loft Theatre Company
[New: UK] Rhyl Liberty Players presents Guards! Guards! as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: Rhyl Little Theatre, 17 Vale Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire, LL18 2BS
Dates: 30th March - 1st April 2023
Times: 7:30pm
Box office: 01745 342229 / littletheatrerhyl@gmail.com
/ www.rhyllittletheatre.co.uk
[New: UK] Thalian Theatre Group presents The Shakespeare Codex as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: The Towngate Theatre, 69 Chapel Street, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9LR
Dates: 30th March - 1st April 2023
Website: Thalian Theatre Group
[New: UK] Rutland Arts Theatre Society presents Wyrd Sisters as adapted by Stephen Briggs
Location: Catmos Street, Oakham, LE15 6HW, UK
Dates: 18th, 19th, 20th May 2023
Tickets: NOT CURRENLTY AVAILABLE - 9 GBP advance, 10 GBP at door
Website: Rutland Arts Theatre Society
9. Review: The Amazing Maurice at MCM Comic Con London
Review by Jason Anthony-Rowlands
I've been to a few comic cons before but never one in London and I am really surprised how little prepared I was for MCM in London. If we treated animals like the way we were treated at MCM, DEFRA would shut the place down. We managed to convert our e-tickets to physical tickets and were then sent off to fenced off pens to wait nearly an hour before we were allowed into the venue. Social distancing is definitely not something the organisers were thinking about. We barely had room to turn on the spot. The heat generated by that many bodies made it really uncomfortable and quite smelly. And to make the torture just a little worse there was some alarm going off for the full time we were standing there. It was just the right frequency to make you want to stick something sharp in your ears to stop them hurting!
At some predetermined point the organisers opened the gates of each of the massive pens and allowed the crowd to spill into the main central corridor. After surviving the crush and flow we managed to step to one side and work out our bearings. We knew there was a "making of" documentary of The Amazing Maurice we wanted to see so we headed in the direction of the viewing area. Luckily for us, but not probably for the film, the viewing area was very quiet. I estimate about 50 people were in the auditorium (the room could seat around 300). Before the documentary started producer Andrew Baker and executive producer (and Narrativia top man) Rob Wilkins came on stage - along with a six foot tall fluffy Maurice to introduce the documentary. They said a few words about the film and then left for us to enjoy it.
As far as documentaries go it was heavy on the talking heads type film. More promotional than showing us any real details. There was some talking with the animators and the process of voice acting etc. but don't expect anything in depth. This really was a promotional tool. What it did give us though was a couple of scenes from the film that haven't been shown in the trailers. From what we saw the animation looks top notch and the comedy value was very much there.
So, was it worth watching? Yes, I think it was.
After the documentary we made our way over to the Amazing Maurice stall via our friends at The Cosplay Journal.
The Amazing Maurice stall was hard to miss. One wall was covered in green fur and to our surprise one side of it was showing the same documentary we'd just seen on the big screen on a television set. The other side of the stall was of more interest. Various objects d'Art were on display. Several art frames of Maurice in various poses, a small Maurice notebook, a lifesize ceramic Maurice that I wanted to take home with me but wasn't able to.
There was also a section where you could see a video of either Maurice or the rats and you had to react to it. The team at sky then recorded your video and after providing your email address sent you the video a day or two later.
We had a chance to speak to Andrew Baker about what we had seen and what we could expect when the film eventually gets released - but as often happens at these events we were ambushed by the six foot Maurice again. Andrew was very limited to what he was able to say about the film etc. but he seemed really pleased with the film that had been produced. We were also able to talk briefly with Rob Wilkins but as usual he was rushing off to do business things. Both of them seem very happy with the final product. I'll have to wait until the Manchester Animation Festival in November to view the film for myself. I am very much looking forward to it.
We visited other parts of the halls and picked up some lunch with friends. And circled around to the Maurice stall a few times.
We spent a lot of time talking to other Discworld fans. It's amazing how many people recognised me as Rincewind and Rachel as Twoflower. It's always fun talking to other fans, although it is slightly worrying how many of them asked for a photo and then said I'll give that to my dad as he loves Discworld. We've got to hope that projects like Maurice make Terry appeal to a younger generation. And hopefully the film will help them fall in love with the novels.
We eventually decided that we'd had enough. On our way out we passed the Forbidden Planet area and spotted some Maurice merchandise, which we of course purchased, see elsewhere in this issue for a chance to win some of it. We eventually managed to squeeze our way out of the venue and towards the train station. We had fun but I don't ever want to go back to MCM London again if I don't have to.
10. Competition: Win an Amazing Maurice Mug and Coaster
At the MCM London we picked up an Amazing Maurice Mug and Coaster from the Forbidden Planet stall to give away this issue. In order to win the mug and coaster you need to answer the following question.
Q1. What is the name of the small rat that asks awkward questions, prefaced with the word "Ahem"?
Send your answer, along with your postal address to competitions@discworldmonthly.co.uk before 22nd December 2022. Your address will only be used for sending out your prize should you be the lucky winner. Once prizes are sent out all address details will be destroyed. Entries received after the closing date or sent to any other address will be ignored. No more than one entry per person will be accepted - multiple entries will result in a ban from the competition. Failure to answer the questions or provide your postal address will prevent you from being entered into the competition. Answers to the questions must not be posted to any websites before the competition ends. The judges' decision is final. The competition is open to all readers.
11. The End
This month's issue is brought to you by swearing, a furby that sings doobee doobee doo and an Isle of Cats.
The deadline for submissions to issue 295 of Discworld Monthly is 22nd December 2022.
11.1 Supporting Discworld Monthly
Discworld Monthly was created as a totally free newsletter and will continue to remain so for as long as it continues. However, the costs of maintaining the website, postage, travel etc. add up. If you feel you would like to make a small contribution towards these costs please consider doing so via: PayPal
Our account for Paypal is oook@discworldmonthly.co.uk
You can also purchase items from our range of licensed Discworld Monthly products from: Discworld Monthly Shop
11.2 Contact Information
We prefer information to be sent via email oook@discworldmonthly.co.uk or rachel@discworldmonthly.co.uk but can also accept information via post at the following address: Discworld Monthly, 20 Cambrian Place, Pontarddulais, Swansea, SA4 8RG, United Kingdom
11.3 Latest Book Information
There is a list of books on our website with the cover blurb and direct links to UK, US and Canadian Amazon websites. Terry Pratchett books at Discworld Monthly
You can also find a list of our affiliates at: Discworld Monthly Affiliate Links
We have an extensive Terry Pratchett biography with a tick list you can print out at: Terry Pratchett Biography
11.4 DiscTrivia Answers
Q1. What is unusual about the rat tails caught by the ratcatchers?
A1. They are shoelaces and have aglets on them.
Q2. What did Keith give the ratcatchers as an antidote to the poison?
A2. Cascara (more laxatives).
Q3. What item of clothing does Darktan wear?
A3. A series of belts.
Q4. What is the name of "The Book" that the rats read from?
A4. Mr Bunnsy Has An Adventure.
Q5. What special gift did Maurice give to Dangerous Beans?
A5. One of his nine lives.
11.5 Subscription Information
To subscribe to Discworld Monthly simply enter your email address in the form on the Discworld Monthly web page. Our web site contains all back issues and links to other Pratchett sites. discworldmonthly.co.uk
To unsubscribe please follow the instructions at the end of this email.
11.6 Small Print
We make every effort we can to ensure the information in this newsletter is accurate and legal. All trademarks are recognized as the property of their respective owners, whoever they may be. Discworld (R) is a registered trademark of the Estate of Sir Terry Pratchett used under licence.
11.7 Thanks
Thanks for reading this issue of 'Discworld Monthly'. We hope you enjoyed it. If you have any comments, complaints or suggestions for the future of this newsletter please email the editor : oook@discworldmonthly.co.uk
Thank you Terry Pratchett
11.8 The Final Word
Rachel here: We may not be perfect designers, or award winning journalists but we do our best to keep you all entertained and informed about all things Terry. We do have some ethics though.
We like our news to be current, up to date and factual with a solid source. We don't like posting rumours but occasionally the source it comes from is 98 percent solid so we will tell you it's a rumour and confirm it when we have a 100 percent confirmation.
Our own articles are written by us for us only. You won't find articles from other publications here unless it's a formal press release about an adaptation, book release or event or something we actually wrote for someone else unless they begged us to publish it (OK not begged but some of our lovely friends do ask us occasionally to boost something).
[NB I say we are not award winning but Discworld Monthly did win Website of the Month for Issue 3 back in a different century. It would be nice to win something much more recent, or even just get acknowledged #justsaying]
Whilst you keep reading it, we'll keep on writing it because we love Terry's books just as much as you do.
Keep smiling, Keep breathing, Keep reading.
See you soon!
GNU Terry Pratchett...
Table of Contents:
2. News
2.1 The Amazing Maurice - Everywhere and Everything
2.1.1 Where to see The Amazing Maurice in the UK - In your own home.
2.1.2 Where to see The Amazing Maurice in the UK - In Cinemas
2.1.3 How to see The Amazing Maurice everywhere else.
2.2 The Amazing Maurice Merchandise
2.2.1 Cats Protection
2.2.2 From Forbidden Planet
2.2.3 From Lots of Places
2.2.4 From The Amazing Maurice Website
2.2.5 The Big One - The Amazing Maurice Statue from Blu Goblin
2.6 Amazing Maurices Book Releases
2.6.1 The Amazing Maurice special edition paperback.
2.6.2 The Amazing Maurice film tie in paperback
2.6.3 The Amazing Maurice: The Art of the Film By Ramin Zahed
3. Review: The Amazing Maurice Film
4. The Amazing Maurice publicity. Why expectations didn't meet reality.
5. DiscTrivia
6. Birthdays
7. Readers' Letters
8. Productions
8.1 Current and Upcoming Productions
8.2 New and Updated Productions
9. Review: The Amazing Maurice at MCM Comic Con London
10. Competition: Win an Amazing Maurice Mug and Coaster
11. The End
11.1 Supporting Discworld Monthly
11.2 Contact Information
11.3 Latest Book Information
11.4 DiscTrivia Answers
11.5 Subscription Information
11.6 Small Print
11.7 Thanks
11.8 The Final Word