Magic Light Pictures’ Tabby McTat to Debut on BBC One

Magic Light Pictures’ animated film Tabby McTat, based on the picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, is set to debut around Christmastime on BBC One.

The film follows Fred, a busker, and his cat Tabby McTat, who enjoy a life together on the streets of London until Fred chases a thief and the two end up separated. This marks the 11th animated special for Donaldson and Scheffler’s work from Magic Light Pictures.

The Tabby McTat adaptation stars Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey), Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísú (Gangs of London), Cariad Lloyd (Peep Show), Joanna Scanlan (The Thick of It), Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who) and Susan Wokoma (Enola Holmes). It is directed by Sarah Scrimgeour (Superworm) and Jac Hamman (Superworm) and written by Max Lang and Suzanne Lang. Animation services are provided by Red Star Studio.

The new adaptation comes as Donaldson and Scheffler mark their 30th year of creative partnership.

“I used to love busking with my husband Malcolm when we were living in Bristol, and also in Paris,” Donaldson said. “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!”

“Julia and Axel’s book is a beautiful, heartwarming story that we’re delighted to be adapting for BBC viewers this Christmas,” said producer Barney Goodland. “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, added, “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.”