The Tiger Who Came to Tea Sets All-Star Cast

The Tiger Who Came to Tea, an animated film from Channel 4, Lupus Films and HarperCollins, is slated to air this Christmas with a star-studded voice cast.

Based on Judith Kerr’s classic children’s book, the half-hour special counts among its talent David Oyelowo as the titular tiger, Benedict Cumberbatch as Daddy, Tamsin Greig as Mummy, David Walliams as the narrator and Paul Whitehouse as Milkman. Newcomer Clara Ross will be making her TV debut as Sophie, who, along with her mother, invites the tiger who rings their doorbell in for tea.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea has been adapted for the screen by Joanna Harrison, with Robin Show directing. Universal Content Group is managing the international TV distribution, home entertainment and theatrical rights to the movie.

Cumberbatch said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be playing a small part in bringing Judith Kerr’s timeless children’s classic to the screen for another generation to enjoy.”

Oyelowo said: “Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to play the iconic tiger from The Tiger Who Came to Tea? He’s a big cat of few words because—he’s too busy eating!—but I relished all of the growling, chomping and slurping, which called on me to find my inner cat.”

Walliams said: “I knew Judith well and I really adored her. She was an incredible inspiration—her work is so brilliant. The book is a thing of beauty—there isn’t a word out of place, the illustrations are just gorgeous. I really wanted to be a part of it and I was chuffed that she wanted me to narrate. I’m so proud to be associated with it because it’s a stone-cold classic. Just like the book has been around for over 50 years, hopefully the animation will have this incredible longevity too.”

Greig said: “The story has a universal appeal. It’s about encountering the other and the danger of the unknown adventure. What drew me is that Mummy is not there imposing authority, but she’s agreeing to go on the journey with her daughter, and be a child with her.”

Whitehouse said: “I wanted to get involved because it has fond memories for me and a close association with my girls. I first read the book to my eldest daughter who is now 26, and I’ve got quite a young daughter as well that I now read it to. It’s one of the not-that-many books where the girl is the central character… I’ve read it to all my four girls, so it’s never been out of my life!”

Ross said: “I do like reading books because they take you to an imaginary world, and this book is really nice. I like all the characters and that an animal can talk because in real life, how can an animal talk? I’m really excited that my voice is going to be animated and I can’t wait for it coming out at Christmas on Channel 4.”

Caroline Hollick, Channel 4’s head of drama, said: “‘We’re delighted to have assembled such a fantastic cast to tell this wonderful and much-loved children’s classic. It really does promise to be a fabulous festive treat for all the family.”

Ruth Fielding, producer for Lupus Films, said: “We are thrilled to have attached such an amazing cast to bring to life the characters in this timeless family favorite. It’s a real honor to be working with such a glittering array of talent who are going to help make this animation truly special.”

Ann-Janine Murtagh, executive publisher at HarperCollins Children’s Books, said: “We are delighted to be working with such a brilliant cast who will introduce this treasured story to a whole new generation and honor the extraordinary woman who created it.”