Billed as a star-studded animation, the film this Christmas will be based on the Tabby McTat book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
This Christmas, the BBC will air animated adventure Tabby McTat, from BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated producers Magic Light Pictures. The animation is a story, set on the streets of London, about the friendship between a musical cat and a talented busker called Fred.
The film is adapted from the hugely successful picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, and marks the 11th animated special of their work produced by Magic Light Pictures for the BBC. This is a special year for Julia and Axel, as 2023 marks the 30th year of their creative partnership.
The film stars Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey) as Fred, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísú (Gangs of London) as Tabby, Cariad Lloyd (Peep Show) as Prunella, Joanna Scanlan (The Thick of It) as Pat, Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who) as the narrator, and Susan Wokoma (Enola Holmes) as Sock. Animation services are provided by Red Star Studio.
The film follows Fred and Tabby McTat, who enjoy a contented life singing on the streets of London to delighted audiences. One day when chasing a thief, Fred falls, breaks his leg and is whisked away in an ambulance, leaving his bemused cat alone on the city streets.
Author Julia Donaldson commented: “I used to love busking with my husband Malcolm when we were living in Bristol, and also in Paris. We also both love cats – in fact – we’ve just acquired two new kittens named Tabitha and McTat. This story is really close to my heart and combines two of my passions: singing and cats.”
Producer, Barney Goodland added: “Julia and Axel’s book is a beautiful, heart-warming story that we’re delighted to be adapting for BBC viewers this Christmas. The friendship between Fred and Tabby is a truly special one and the film explores how their relationship changes unexpectedly as their lives move forward, and ultimately, how they learn to embrace that change.”
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama said: “Magic Light’s hugely entertaining adaptations of Julia and Axel’s works have been delighting families and viewers of all ages for over a decade now. I know that Tabby is a character loved by many, so I could not be happier that he’ll be brought to life this Christmas on BBC One and iPlayer.”
Tabby McTat is directed by Sarah Scrimgeour (Superworm) and Jac Hamman (Superworm); written by Max Lang and Suzanne Lang; and produced by Barney Goodland and Michael Rose of Magic Light Pictures.
