The BBC and Oscar-nominated production company Magic Light Pictures have released the first look at “The Scarecrows’ Wedding,” their latest animated Christmas special set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Based on the popular picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the half-hour film tells the story of two devoted scarecrows, Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay, who are planning their perfect wedding until their plans are disrupted by the arrival of the charming but troublesome Reginald Rake.
This marks Magic Light Pictures’ 13th adaptation of a Donaldson and Scheffler title and follows the success of 2023’s “Tiddler,” which was viewed by 7.3 million people within 28 days and has since reached a total audience of 11.3 million. “Tiddler” also secured the highest Christmas Day audience share for a Magic Light Pictures production since “The Gruffalo” in 2009.
“The Scarecrows’ Wedding” features a high-profile voice cast, with Sophie Okonedo narrating. Jessie Buckley voices Betty O’Barley, Domhnall Gleeson plays Harry O’Hay, and Rob Brydon returns for his thirteenth Donaldson and Scheffler adaptation as Reginald Rake.
Brydon commented: “I’ve been lucky enough to appear in every Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler adaptation so far, and Reginald Rake has to be one of the most enjoyable characters yet. He’s vain, charming, and utterly unreliable — a proper cad! Playing him has been enormous fun.”
Gleeson added: “Harry is such a warm-hearted character, loyal, loving, and determined to make the wedding perfect for Betty. I loved bringing him to life, especially when his devotion is tested and he has to prove he’s the real hero of the story. I also loved the process of developing Harry, and I’m so happy to be working with this team and voice cast. It’s a thrill to be part of something made especially for kids at Christmas.”
Narrator Okonedo noted: “What I love about ‘The Scarecrows’ Wedding’ is that it feels timeless, it’s a story about love, loyalty, and finding out what really matters. Narrating it has been a joy, and I can’t wait for families to enjoy it together this Christmas.”
Buckley also shared her enthusiasm: “I love this story. The film has so many beautiful little moments but I love the scene where the first glimmers of love get expressed between Harry and Betty — the anxiety and the tentativeness around that. They’re both edging closer and closer to being in the relationship, realising that they want to be together… we’ve all been there. It’s all about young love, and recognising what’s important to you in life.”
Directed by Samantha Cutler and Jeroen Jaspaert, and written by Steven Bloomer, the special is produced by Barney Goodland and Michael Rose. Animation services are provided by Red Star, with additional support from Triggerfish Animation.
All previous Magic Light Pictures adaptations of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s works remain available to stream on BBC iPlayer, continuing the legacy of this much-loved holiday programming tradition.
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