Magic Light Pictures and ODEON Cinemas have teamed up to bring a large selection of the multiple Oscar-nominated company’s animated specials to the big screen in the run-up to Christmas.

Since half term, double bills of half-hour family films have been rolling out in ODEON cinemas across the UK and Ireland. Screenings of the specials, based on the much-loved books written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, are set to continue throughout December to provide the perfect way to get the whole family into the Christmas spirit.

A double bill of The Gruffalo’s Child and Stick Man is due to begin from 4 December, showing in 113 locations to run across the month.

A selection of  cinemas are also airing the specials through the week outside of the traditional weekend children’s screenings.

Hannah Jones, Magic Light Pictures Distribution Executive, says: “We are delighted to partner with ODEON cinemas to offer families throughout the UK and Ireland another chance to watch these wonderful films on the big screen, and recapture the magic of these timeless films. The fabulous immersive experience that ODEON provides for its cinemagoers will be key to bringing these films to life, and it will make for a fantastic family outing.”

Magic Light’s award-winning festive family specials have become a Christmas tradition on the BBC, where they are watched by millions every year. New for 2021 is Superworm, featuring a hero with a difference and a wonderfully entertaining villain who clash to thrilling effect. Superworm premieres on Christmas Day on BBC One.