The Scarecrows’ Wedding: A Magical Animated Special to Air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One This Christmas
The BBC and Magic Light Pictures, the multi-Oscar-nominated producers, have announced the production of The Scarecrows’ Wedding, the latest animated adaptation from the UK’s number one selling picture book creators, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. According to a press release from the BBC, the half-hour animated special will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this Christmas.
The Scarecrows’ Wedding features an all-star voice cast, including Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey, The Trip) as Reginald Rake, Jessie Buckley (Wicked Little Letters, Wild Rose) as Betty O’Barley, Domhnall Gleeson (About Time, Alice and Jack) as Harry O’Hay, and Sophie Okonedo (Slow Horses, Hotel Rwanda) as the Narrator. The story follows two devoted scarecrows, Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay, who are planning a wedding to remember. However, 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, causing chaos and putting everything at risk.
The BBC reports that author Julia Donaldson is thrilled that The Scarecrows’ Wedding is being adapted into an animated special, saying: "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." Donaldson also praised the voice cast, saying that they have brought "such warmth and playfulness to the characters of Betty and Harry and the various animals."
Jessie Buckley, who plays Betty O’Barley, also expressed her love for the story, saying: "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." The BBC confirms that the film is a joyful tale about loyalty, love, and learning that the most important thing isn’t a grand gesture – it’s simply being together.
Producer Barney Goodland added: "The Scarecrows’ Wedding is a beautiful story of ‘love conquers all’ and the joy of relationships. The voice talent have embodied these characters wonderfully and there’s great chemistry between Jessie Buckley and Domhnall Gleeson as Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay." The BBC states that the animation is looking "absolutely stunning" and that they are excited to share the film with families this Christmas.
The Scarecrows’ Wedding is the 13th animated special of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s work to be produced by Magic Light Pictures for the BBC. The film is directed by Samantha Cutler and Jeroen Jaspaert and produced by Barney Goodland and Micheal Rose of Magic Light Pictures. Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: "We’re incredibly proud of our enduring partnership with Julia, Axel and Magic Light Pictures, and can’t wait to bring the Scarecrows’ big day to millions of viewers across the UK this Christmas."
The Scarecrows’ Wedding is adapted from the hugely successful picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The film will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer and will air on BBC One this Christmas. With its beautiful animation, all-star voice cast, and heartwarming story, The Scarecrows’ Wedding is set to be a festive treat for families across the UK.
