Britt Allcroft is an English television producer, director, writer, and voice actress primarily known for her work adapting the Reverend Wilbert Awdry's "The Railway Series" into the beloved children's television show "Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends." Allcroft's influence extended beyond "Thomas," as she also created "Shining Time Station," "Mr. Conductor's Thomas Tales," and "Magic Adventures of Mumfie." Her creative involvement encompassed writing, producing, and directing, notably with the film "Thomas and the Magic Railroad" (2000). Her work has left an enduring mark on children's entertainment, particularly within the realm of television programming.
December 1943: Birth and Early Career of Britt Allcroft
Born Hilary Mary Allcroft in December 1943, she later changed her name to Britt as her career in British radio and television progressed.
December 1943: Birth of Britt Allcroft
Britt Allcroft was born Hilary Mary Allcroft in December 1943.
1973: Marriage to Angus Wright
Britt Allcroft married television producer Angus Wright in 1973.
August 1979: Meeting the Reverend Wilbert Awdry
In August 1979, Britt Allcroft met the Reverend Wilbert Awdry, author of "The Railway Series," which inspired her to adapt the stories for television.
1980: Founding of Britt Allcroft Railway Productions
Britt Allcroft co-founded Britt Allcroft Railway Productions (later The Britt Allcroft Company) with her husband Angus Wright in 1980.
1983: Start of "Thomas" Merchandising Campaign
Britt Allcroft began organizing the merchandising campaign for "Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends" in 1983.
October 1984: Premiere of "Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends"
The first two episodes of "Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends" aired in October 1984.
1989: Creation of "Shining Time Station"
Britt Allcroft and Rick Siggelkow created "Shining Time Station" in 1989.
1994: Release of "Magic Adventures of Mumfie"
"Magic Adventures of Mumfie", created by Britt Allcroft in collaboration with John Collins, was released in 1994.
1995: End of "Shining Time Station"
"Shining Time Station" ended in 1995.
1996: Creation of "Mr. Conductor's Thomas Tales"
Britt Allcroft created "Mr. Conductor's Thomas Tales" in 1996.
1997: Divorce from Angus Wright
Britt Allcroft and Angus Wright divorced in 1997.
September 2000: Resignation from Britt Allcroft Company
Following the poor performance of "Thomas and the Magic Railroad", Britt Allcroft resigned as deputy chairwoman of her company in September 2000.
2000: Release of "Thomas and the Magic Railroad"
Britt Allcroft wrote, co-produced, and directed the film "Thomas and the Magic Railroad", which was released in 2000.
2008: Revival of "Mumfie" Library
Britt Allcroft revived the "Mumfie" library in 2008.
2021: Reboot of "Mumfie"
A rebooted "Mumfie" series aired in 2021.
2023: Appearance in "An Unlikely Fandom"
Britt Allcroft appeared in the documentary "An Unlikely Fandom" in 2023.
December 2024: Death of Britt Allcroft
Britt Allcroft passed away in December 2024 at age 81.
December 2024: Death of Britt Allcroft Announced
Britt Allcroft's death, which occurred in December 2024, was publicly announced in January 2025.
January 2025: Announcement of Britt Allcroft's Death
Filmmaker Brannon Carty announced Britt Allcroft's passing on X (formerly Twitter) in January 2025.