BBC, Magic Lights Pictures reveal first look at The Scarecrows’ Wedding
October 3, 2025
The BBC and Oscar nominated producers, Magic Light Pictures, have released a first look at their forthcoming Christmas animated adventure, The Scarecrows’ Wedding. The story follows two devoted scarecrows, Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay, who are preparing for their big day when trouble arrives in the form of smooth-talking Reginald Rake.
Adapted for BBC iPlayer and BBC One from the beloved picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, The Scarecrows’ Wedding marks Magic Light’s 13th animated special of their work.
Academy Award nominee Sophie Okonedo (Slow Horses, Hotel Rwanda) narrates the half-hour special, joined by a stellar voice cast including Jessie Buckley (Wicked Little Letters, Wild Rose) as Betty O’Barley, Domhnall Gleeson (About Time, Alice and Jack) as Harry O’Hay, and Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey, The Trip) returning for his thirteenth Donaldson and Scheffler adaptation as the rotter, Reginald Rake.
Brydon commented: “I’ve been lucky enough to appear in every Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler adaptation so far, and Reginald Rake has to be one of the most enjoyable characters yet. He’s vain, charming, and utterly unreliable – a proper cad! Playing him has been enormous fun.”
Gleeson said: “Harry is such a warm-hearted character, loyal, loving, and determined to make the wedding perfect for Betty. I loved bringing him to life, especially when his devotion is tested and he has to prove he’s the real hero of the story. I also loved the process of developing Harry, and I’m so happy to be working with this team and voice cast. It’s a thrill to be part of something made especially for kids at Christmas.”
Okonedo, narrator, said: “What I love about The Scarecrows’ Wedding is that it feels timeless, it’s a story about love, loyalty, and finding out what really matters. Narrating it has been a joy, and I can’t wait for families to enjoy it together this Christmas.”
Buckley added: “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. ”
Last year’s adaptation, Tiddler, was seen by 7.3 million viewers within 28 days and secured the highest Christmas Day audience share for a Magic Light Pictures film since The Gruffalo in 2009. It has now been watched by 11.3 million viewers.
The Scarecrows’ Wedding is directed by Samantha Cutler and Jeroen Jaspaert, written by Steven Bloomer, and produced by Barney Goodland and Michael Rose of Magic Light Pictures. Animation services by Red Star with assets and animation support by Triggerfish Animation.
Magic Light’s earlier adaptions of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s works are all available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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