"Tiddler"
The BBC and Magic Light Pictures have announced "Tiddler", a new magical animation from the UK’s book creators Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The story of "Tiddler, a little fish with a big imagination", will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Christmas.
"Tiddler" is the story of a small grey fish with a big imagination who gets lost in the deep wide ocean, until he’s saved by his own storytelling. The half-hour animated special will be voiced by a stellar cast led by Hannah Waddingham ("Ted Lasso") as the narrator, Lolly Adefope ("Ghosts") as Miss Skate, Jayde Adams ("Ruby Speaking") as Plaice and other characters, plus Rob Brydon ("Gavin and Stacey") - 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.
The film is an underwater adventure about the power of imagination and finding confidence in yourself – and how to be content as a little fish in a big ocean. Author Julia Donaldson says: "'Tiddler' is all about storytelling and big imaginations - things that are really important to me as a writer. The film captures the heart of the story and brings it to life with a fantastic cast, I'm particularly impressed by the young child actors who take the lead in this adaptation."
Narrator Hannah Waddingham says: "Voicing the narrator for this Christmas special from Magic Light Pictures has been a real joy to record. 'Tiddler' is the tale of the storyteller in all of us, and helps children understand what it's like to be a small fish in a very big pond (and we’ve all felt THAT in life!) I have loved reading the books by Julia and Axel to my daughter over the years and it’s so lovely to get to bring one of them to screen in this beautiful animation."
Producer Barney Goodland says: "'Tiddler' is a beautifully illustrated and imaginative underwater adventure that we are thrilled to be bringing to screen. Its celebration of the power of storytelling speaks to everything that Magic Light does and diving deep into that theme has been a real joy. We're excited to share our adaptation of this absolute classic Julia and Axel story with families this Christmas."
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: “Magic Light’s adaptations of Julia and Axel’s work have well and truly established themselves as part of our national fabric, thanks to their winning ability to take us to wonderful worlds packed with lovable characters. We can’t wait to introduce viewers to 'Tiddler', the little fish who’s sure to make a big splash when he arrives on the BBC this Christmas.”
"Tiddler" is the 12th animated special of their work to be produced by Magic Light Pictures for the BBC. Last year’s animation saw an audience of 8.6million tune in to watch "Tabby McTat!, the heart-warming story of a busker and his cat.
"Tiddler" is directed by Andy Martin and Alex Bain, written by Michael Bohnensting, 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.
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