BBC announces Tabby McTat, a star-studded animation this Christmas

Magic Light Pictures and BBC have announced it will air an animated adventure Tabby McTat this Christmas, a story which is set on the streets of London about the warm and wonderful friendship between a musical cat and a talented busker called Fred.

The film is adapted from the hugely successful 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.

Author, Julia Donaldson comments: “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!”

Producer, Barney Goodland says: “Julia and Axel’s book is a beautiful, heart-warming story that we’re delighted to be adapting for BBC viewers this Christmas. The friendship between Fred and Tabby is a truly special one and the film explores how their relationship changes unexpectedly as their lives move forward, and ultimately, how they learn to embrace that change.”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama says: “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.”

The new animated adaption will air this festive season and follows in the success of previous shows including Zog And The Flying Doctors, Superworm, and The Smeds And The Smoos.