Julia Donaldson’s latest adaptation is set to air on BBC
Every Christmas households across the UK are treated to a cosy Julia Donaldson adaptation, where one of her beloved stories has its time to shine on the small screen.
Over the years, we’ve seen The Gruffalo, The Highway Rat, Stick Man, Tabby McTat, Room on the Broom, and last year thousands sat down to enjoy Tiddler.
After the news was confirmed earlier this year, author Julia Donaldson gushed: “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!”
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.
In every magical adaptation, a cast of famous voices joins in on the festive fun to bring the characters to life. Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon has appeared in all of the Christmas adaptations of Julia Donaldson’s books, often in multiple roles across different films.
Sally Hawkins has also appeared in multiple adaptations, including the Snail in The Snail and the Whale, Stick Lady and other characters in Stick Man, and as the narrator for The Smeds and the Smoos.
What time is The Scarecrows’ Wedding and where to watch?
The Scarecrows’ Wedding will air at 3:10pm on BBC One on Christmas Day, but will also be available to stream on BBC iPlayer. It will be on for 30 minutes and is the 13th animated special of their work to be produced by Magic Light Pictures for the BBC.
What is The Scarecrows’ Wedding about?
The Scarecrows’ 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.
Famous voices behind the characters:
- Betty O’Barley – Jessie Buckley
- Harry O’Hay – Domhnall Gleeson
- Reginald Rake – Rob Brydon
- Narrator – Sophie Okonedo
Jessie Buckley, playing Betty O’Barley 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.”
