BBC to animate 'The Scarecrows’ Wedding'
'The Scarecrows’ Wedding' is going to be animated for BBC One.
BBC and Magic Light Pictures, the acclaimed producers behind multiple Oscar-nominated works, have announced the production of The Scarecrows’ Wedding. This marks the latest animated adaptation by Magic Light based on a beloved book by the UK’s best-selling picture book duo, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The special will premiere this Christmas on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The 30-minute animated film features a star-studded voice cast, including Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey, The Trip) reprising his role as Reginald Rake, Jessie Buckley (Wicked Little Letters, Wild Rose) as Betty O’Barley, Domhnall Gleeson (About Time, Alice and Jack) as Harry O’Hay, and Sophie Okonedo (Slow Horses, Hotel Rwanda) narrating the tale.
The Scarecrows’ Wedding is a charming story of two loving scarecrows, Betty and Harry, who are preparing for their perfect wedding. But when Harry sets off on a final errand, the suave and scheming Reginald Rake steps in, throwing their plans into disarray. As chaos unfolds and Betty finds herself in trouble, it's a race against time for Harry to return. Packed with warmth, humour, and adventure, this heartwarming story celebrates love, loyalty, and the simple joy of being together.
Author Julia Donaldson says: "The Scarecrows’ Wedding is my favourite of all the books I've created with Axel Scheffler, so I'm extra specially pleased that it is to be this year's animated adaptation from Magic Light Pictures. It's a love story set on a farm by the sea, and the story contains a lot of comedy and a Hollywood-style villain. (I thought of David Niven when I created that character.) The cast has brought such warmth and playfulness to the characters of Betty and Harry and the various animals, and Reginald Rake played by Rob Brydon is a real cad!"
Jessie Buckley, playing Betty O’Barley says: "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. "
Producer Barney Goodland adds: "The Scarecrows’ Wedding is a beautiful story of ‘love conquers all’ and the joy of relationships. The voice talent have embodied these characters wonderfully and there’s great chemistry between Jessie Buckley and Domhnall Gleeson as Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay. The animation is looking absolutely stunning and we’re excited to share the film with families this Christmas.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: “We’re incredibly proud of our enduring partnership with Julia, Axel and Magic Light Pictures, and can’t wait to bring the Scarecrows’ big day to millions of viewers across the UK this Christmas. Much like the wedding itself, this charming, funny and exquisitely animated adventure has all the perfect ingredients.”
The Scarecrows’ Wedding is adapted from the hugely successful picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The film is the 13th animated special of their work to be produced by Magic Light Pictures for the BBC. Last year’s animation, Tiddler, saw an audience of 7.3 million and the highest audience share on Christmas Day for a Magic Light Pictures film since The Gruffalo in 2009.