Milkshake! Story Den

Dare We Be Dragons? is a quirky one‑off episode of the BBC’s “Imagine” strand, fronted by the ever‑energetic Kiera Patel. She’s the presenter who’ll take you through a world where a teapot, a garden gnome or even a pair of old shoes can fling you into a wildly imaginative realm. The format is half‑documentary, half‑fantasy vignette, and the crew behind it includes visual‑effects wizard Tom Larkin and writer‑producer Maya Singh, both of whom have previously worked on “The Darkest Minds” (BBC 4) and the whimsical “Molly Moon” series. The episode’s premise is simple enough: Kiera picks up an everyday object, reads the title “Dare We Be Dragons?” and is instantly transported into a landscape where dragons are made of paper cranes and the laws of physics are as flexible as a child’s imagination. Each segment explores a different portal – a kitchen toaster becomes a launchpad for a fleet of miniature airships, a cracked mirror reflects an alternate Victorian London where steam‑powered dragons patrol the foggy streets. The narrative never gets bogged down in exposition; it’s more about the joy of discovery, much like the opening minutes of “Doctor Who”’s “The Doctor’s Daughter” when the TARDIS turns an ordinary garden into a battlefield. Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. The concept is brilliant and the whimsical tone will remind you of early‑2000s “The Adventures of Tintin” specials – charming, if a tad nostalgic. The visual effects sometimes look a bit ropy by today’s standards, and the pacing drags in the middle when the “dragon‑paper” segment lingers too long. Still, Kiera’s enthusiasm is infectious and the episode manages to feel surprisingly fresh despite its low‑budget feel. If you enjoy light‑hearted, imagination‑driven fare, it’s worth a watch; if you’re after high‑octane drama, you’ll probably find it a bit slow. Rated PG. There’s mild fantasy violence (dragons breathing harmless sparks) and a few spooky moments when mirrors show distorted reflections, but nothing that would genuinely upset younger viewers. First terrestrial broadcast tonight on BBC 2, after a limited run on the iPlayer platform. Grab a cuppa, settle in, and be ready for a handful of everyday objects to turn your living room into a proper wonderland.