BBC Commissions Tiddler Adaptation with Hannah Waddingham

The BBC has commissioned an adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Tiddler from Magic Light Pictures, with Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso, Game of Thrones) as narrator.

Tiddler tells the story of a small gray fish with a big imagination who gets lost in the deep, wide ocean. Each day, he tells a different story to his teacher and friend about why he’s late for school. The half-hour special will air on BBC One and iPlayer around Christmas.

In addition to Waddingham, the cast will include Reuben Kirby in the title role and Theo Fraser as Tiddler’s friend, Johnny Dory. Also in the cast are Lolly Adefope (Ghosts, Saltburn), Jayde Adams (Ruby Speaking, Alma’s Not Normal) and Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey, The Trip).

Tiddler marks the 12th animated special of Donaldson and Scheffler’s work to be produced by Magic Light Pictures for the BBC. Last year saw an adaptation of Tabby McTat.

The new special is directed by Andy Martin and Alex Bain, written by Michael Bohnenstingl and produced by Barney Goodland and Martin Pope of Magic Light Pictures.

“Tiddler is all about storytelling and big imaginations—things that are really important to me as a writer,” Donaldson said. “The film captures the heart of the story and brings it to life with a fantastic cast. I’m particularly impressed by the young child actors who take the lead in this adaptation.”

Waddingham commented, “Voicing the narrator for this Christmas special from Magic Light Pictures has been a real joy to record. Tiddler is the tale of the storyteller in all of us and helps children understand what it’s like to be a small fish in a very big pond—and we’ve all felt THAT in life! I have loved reading the books by Julia and Axel to my daughter over the years, and it’s so lovely to get to bring one of them to screen in this beautiful animation.”

“Tiddler is a beautifully illustrated and imaginative underwater adventure that we are thrilled to be bringing to screen,” added Goodland. “Its celebration of the power of storytelling speaks to everything that Magic Light does, and diving deep into that theme has been a real joy. We’re excited to share our adaptation of this absolute classic Julia and Axel story with families this Christmas.”

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said, “Magic Light’s adaptations of Julia and Axel’s work have well and truly established themselves as part of our national fabric, thanks to their winning ability to take us to wonderful worlds packed with lovable characters. We can’t wait to introduce viewers to Tiddler, the little fish who’s sure to make a big splash when he arrives on the BBC this Christmas.”