This Christmas BBC One will screen the animated adventure Tabby McTat, a story set on the streets of London about the warm and wonderful friendship between a musical cat and a talented busker called Fred.
Author, Julia Donaldson:
“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. So, this story is really close to my heart and combines two of my passions: singing, and cats!”
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.
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, a busker, and his cat Tabby McTat who enjoy a contented life singing on the streets of London to delighted audiences. One day when chasing a thief, Fred falls and breaks his leg and is whisked away in an ambulance. What will become of the busker’s cat left alone on the city streets?
This is a special year for Julia and Axel. 2023 marks the 30th year of their creative partnership.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama:
“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.”
