BBC and Magic Light Pictures have announced production of The Scarecrows’ Wedding. This is the latest animated adaption by Magic Light from the UK’s leading picture book creators, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. It will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this Christmas.

The half-hour animated special features an all-star voice cast with returning favourite Rob Brydon voicing Reginald Rake, Jessie Buckley as Betty O’Barley, Domhnall Gleeson as Harry O’Hay, all led by Sophie Okonedo as the Narrator.

The Scarecrows’ Wedding is an enchanting story about two devoted scarecrows, Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay, who are planning a wedding to remember. When Harry insists on leaving the farm to collect one last thing for their big day, a smooth-talking scarecrow named Reginald Rake swoops in with plans of his own. Chaos follows, and soon Betty’s in danger and everything’s at risk.  Can Harry get back in time and save the day? Full of heart, humour and adventure, this is the joyful tale about loyalty, love and learning that the most important thing isn’t a grand gesture – it’s simply being together.

Donaldson commented: “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!”

Buckley said: “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, said: “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, added: “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 the 13th animated special of Donaldson and Scheffler’s 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.

The Scarecrows’ Wedding is directed by Samantha Cutler and Jeroen Jaspaert and produced by Goodland and Micheal Rose of Magic Light Pictures. The film was acquired by Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer and Nawfal Faizullah, BBC Drama Commissioning Editor.

Magic Light’s previous adaptions of Donaldson and Scheffler’s works are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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Tags: BBC, Christmas, magic light, The Scarecrows’ Wedding