To celebrate 70 years of Dennis, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has partnered with Beano Studios in a deal brokered by UK licensing agent Rocket Licensing, for a ‘Big Bonanza’ full of jokes, mischief and pranks this Easter. Taking place between Wednesday 31 March and Sunday 18 April 2021 at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst, visitors can join in the fun with a brand-new, giant, 3D comic strip created especially for the milestone occasion. Fun for kids and grown-ups alike, this birthday bash will feature a host of characters from the popular Beano comic and much-loved TV series, Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed!

Join Dennis to save the day at Kew

On a trip to Kew, Dennis and Minnie the Minx discover that a treacherous crime has been committed by Dr Gloom, threatening the future of one of their best-loved foods (and slippery tricks), the banana. Visitors will earn their stripes by joining Dennis and his Beanotown friends on their mission to protect the banana from Dr Gloom and the risk of extinction, and rescue their favourite fruit-powered superhero, Bananaman, who has been shrunk by the evil villain! Visitors will follow the story on an interactive trail, with stops along the way to discover the slimy, sticky, smelly and deceptive powers of plants that will help them save the day.

With help from new characters based on members of RBG Kew staff – Lee (The Fun Guy who loves Fungi) and Katie (the tree-swinging Horti-hero) – visitors will join Dennis and friends in learning about some of nature’s cleverest tricks in the plant kingdom – including the huge and stinky titan arum, the flame-repelling Giant Redwood, and an orchid that looks like a bee!

Visitors will find out whether the ‘banana bunch’ succeed in their mission and finally get to enjoy a slice of Dennis’ favourite banana cake for his big birthday picnic…

Tricks and jokes galore 

In true Beano style, visitors can get up to mischief with interactive activities along the trail. Noise-making whoopie cushion steppingstones, bendy mirrors transforming onlookers into villain-catching superheroes, and foot-pump water pistols (at Kew Gardens only), are sure to entertain pranksters of all ages.

Visitors can also take a quiz to discover which Beano character matches their own personality. 

Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, will also be hosting Dennis, Gnasher and friends this Easter, where young visitors will be invited to take on the Beano Banana Mission. The mission, should they choose to accept it, is to track down hidden bananas buried among Wakehurst’s wild habitats, to discover the letters that accompany each piece of fruit. A top-secret prize, provided in collaboration with Beano licensees, awaits those who can solve the anagram to crack the password.

Sandra Botterell, Director of Marketing and Commercial Enterprise at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said:

“We are delighted to celebrate 70 years of Dennis with Beano at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst this Easter. Dennis and Gnasher’s Big Bonanza will bring plenty of fun and games to the gardens, sure to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Telling critical science stories through such iconic characters is a super way to engage young visitors with RBG Kew’s vital work, while copious tricks and pranks will ensure everybody is kept entertained on what promises to be a brilliant day out over the holidays.”

Rob Wijeratna, Joint Managing Director at Rocket Licensing, said:

“We are excited to be celebrating this milestone birthday with a playful and educational partnership that will, like Dennis himself, appeal across the generations. With appearances from so many of Beanotown’s favourite characters, this hugely creative and humorous campaign creates the perfect occasion to get outside and join the Beano adventure this Easter!”

Vanessa Andreis, Franchise Planning & Partnerships Director at Beano Studios, said:

“2021 marks Dennis’s 70th anniversary, and what better way to start the celebrations than a Beano extravaganza for the whole family at Kew Gardens and Wakehurst. Beano has a unique, cross-generational family appeal and we can’t wait for everyone who has loved us throughout the years to come and join the fun.” 

About Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

About the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a world-famous scientific organisation, internationally respected for its outstanding collections as well as its scientific expertise in plant and fungal diversity, conservation and sustainable development in the UK and around the world. Kew Gardens is a major international and a top London visitor attraction. Kew Gardens’ 132 hectares of landscaped gardens, and Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, attract over 2.5 million visits every year. Kew Gardens was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in July 2003 and celebrated its 260th anniversary in 2019. Wakehurst is home to Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild plant seed bank in the world, as well as over 500 acres of designed landscapes, wild woodlands, ornamental gardens and a nature reserve. The Kew Madagascar Conservation Centre is Kew’s third research centre and only overseas office. RBG Kew receives approximately one third of its funding from Government through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and research councils. Further funding needed to support RBG Kew’s vital work comes from donors, membership and commercial activity including ticket sales. 

About Beano Studios

Beano Studios is a rebellious entertainment studio and creative agency powered by data and insight. The Studio produces diverse entertainment content across TV and the award-winning Beano.com – as well as theatrical, experiences, consumer products, and the legendary Beano comic and annual.

International Emmy nominated Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed! has been sold to 100+ countries, including to the BBC and Netflix, reaching over 200 million people. Everything at Beano Studios is powered by the Beano Brain which understands the tastes, demands and growing purchase power of kids, teens and millennial parents. visit www.rocketlicensing.com