Magic Light Pictures & BBC Release a First Look at ‘Tiddler’, New Animation Based on Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler Book
Skwigly
The BBC and multi-Oscar nominated producers Magic Light Pictures have today released a first look at their forthcoming Christmas animated adventure, Tiddler, the story of a little fish with a big imagination who gets lost in the deep wide ocean until he’s saved by his own storytelling.
Tiddler (BBC/Magic Light Pictures, image via Faber & Bishopp)
Adapted for BBC iPlayer and BBC One from the hugely successful picture book written by Julia Donaldsonand illustrated by Axel Scheffler, Tiddler marks the 12th animated special of their work on the BBC.
The books and films of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler have been, without a doubt, the greatest cornerstone of my daughter’s and my life together. They are the most beautiful marriage of animation and voice, perfectly cast. There’s always something that leans towards the main character not realising just how special they are, and it’s a joyous thing to teach a child from an early age that you are delicious, just the way you are.
Hannah Waddingham, narrator of ‘Tiddler’
The half-hour animated special will be voiced by a stellar cast. Joining Hannah Waddingham will be Lolly Adefope (Ghosts, The Franchise) as Miss Skate, Jayde Adams (Ruby Speaking, Alma’s Not Normal) as Plaice and other characters, plus Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey, The Trip) – returning for his twelfth Donaldson and Scheffler adaptation – in the multiple voice roles of Fisherman, Whale, Starfish and Anchovy. Tiddler will also feature the voices of child actors Reuben Kirby in the title role, and Theo Fraser as Johnny Dory.
Last year’s Donaldson and Scheffler animation, Tabby McTat, the heart-warming story of a busker and his cat, was a huge hit with an audience of 8.6million.
Tiddler is directed by Andy Martin and Alex Bain, written by Michael Bohnenstingl[MP1] , and produced by Barney Goodland and Martin Pope of Magic Light Pictures. The film was acquired by Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer and Nawfal Faizullah, BBC Drama Commissioning Editor.
Magic Light’s previous adaptations of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s works are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.