BBC orders Christmas Julia Donaldson animation ‘Tabby McTat’ from Magic Light Pictures

Tabby McTat

UK pubcaster the BBC is continuing its Christmas tradition, with an order for an adaptation of Tabby McTat from Magic Light Pictures, the latest animated adaptation of a Julia Donaldson book by the firm for December festive season broadcast.

Set on the streets of London, the story follows the titular Tabby McTat, and tells a tale of the warm and wonderful friendship between a musical cat and a talented busker called Fred. It will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Fred and Tabby enjoy a contented life singing 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?

The film is adapted from the picture book written by Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, and marks the 11^th animated special of their work produced by Magic Light Pictures for the BBC’s Christmas line-up, with previous adaptations including Superworm, Zog And The Flying Doctors and The Gruffalo.

Tabby McTat is directed by Sarah Scrimgeour and Jac Hamman; written by Max Lang and Suzanne Lang; and produced by Barney Goodland and Michael Rose of Magic Light Pictures. It will feature the vocal talents of Rob Brydon, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísú, Cariad Lloyd, Joanna Scanlan, Jodie Whittaker and Susan Wokoma. Animation services are provided by Red Star Studio.

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama said: “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.”