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It’s been officially announced that this year’s BBC adaptation of Julia Donaldson‘s work is going to be “The Scarecrows’ Wedding”. Additionally, they’ve unveiled an impressive lineup of celebrities set to appear in the production.

In this production, Rob Brydon from Gavin and Stacey, Jessie Buckley known for Wicked Little Letters, and Domhnall Gleeson of About Time are among the main voice actors. The storyteller is Sophie Okonedo, who has been seen in Slow Horses.

The thirty-minute animated production marks the 13th screen interpretation by the renowned authors Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, set to broadcast on both BBC and BBC iPlayer.

In my own words, I’d say: “I enthusiastically endorse ‘The Scarecrows’ Wedding.’ It’s the heartwarming tale of Betty O’Barley (Buckley) and Harry O’Hay (Gleeson), two dedicated straw folks who are meticulously preparing for a wedding that will be unforgettable.

According to the official summary from Magic Light Pictures, “When Harry decides to venture off the farm for one last item before their special day, a cunning scarecrow named Reginald Rake (Brydon) appears with his own schemes. This leads to all sorts of mischief, and eventually Betty finds herself in trouble, and everything is on the line.

Will Harry manage to return on time and rescue the situation? This delightful story, brimming with emotion, wit, and excitement, beautifully explores themes of loyalty, affection, and education. It underscores that what truly matters isn’t a grand act – it’s the shared moments together.

According to Donaldson, this recent adaptation stands out as her most preferred among all the books she’s developed alongside Scheffler.

She described it as a heartwarming romance set against the backdrop of a farm near the sea. This tale also includes plenty of humor and a villain reminiscent of old Hollywood films, specifically thinking of David Niven when creating that role. The actors have beautifully infused Betty, Harry, and their animal co-stars with warmth and playfulness. Rob Brydon, playing the character Reginald Rake, is quite the rogue!

Speaking about O’Barley, Buckley mentioned: “I adore this tale. The movie is filled with numerous charming small instances, but what truly captivates me is the scene where the initial signs of love emerge between Harry and Betty – the apprehension and hesitation surrounding that moment.

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, stated: “We’re extremely pleased with our long-standing collaboration with Julia, Axel, and Magic Light Pictures. We can hardly wait to share the Scarecrows’ special day with millions of viewers in the UK this Christmas season. Just like the wedding itself, this delightful, humorous, and beautifully animated adventure has all the ideal components.

The movie “The Scarecrows’ Wedding” is helmed by directors Samantha Cutler and Jeroen Jaspaert, and is brought to you by producers Barney Goodland and Michael Rose.

Previously, the animated special “Tiddler” from last Christmas had the largest viewership on Christmas Day for any adaptation by Magic Light Productions since “The Gruffalo” in 2009, with a total of 7.3 million viewers.

The rest of the beloved Julia Donaldson adaptations are available on BBC iPlayer.

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2025-05-20 22:41