Tiddler
- Dec 25, 2024, UK
Every Christmas, the BBC and Oscar-nominated producers Magic Light Pictures release a new magical animation inspired by one of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s children’s books.
Past movie adaptations of their famous books include The Gruffalo (2009), The Gruffalo’s Child (2011), Room on the Broom (2012), Stick Man (2015), The Smeds and the Smoos (2022), and, most recently, Tabby McTat (2023), to name a few.
This year, the duo has announced a movie adaptation of Tiddler, which tells the story of a little fish with a huge imagination.
If you cannot wait to curl up with the kids to watch it, here is all you need to know about Tiddler, including its release date, plot, voice cast, director, and more.
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What’s the Release Date for Tiddler?
The Tiddler animated special will be broadcast at 2.35 pm on BBC One on Christmas Day.
If you miss it, you can watch the film on iPlayer. Also, it will air again at 1.25 pm on Boxing Day.
Don’t forget to check your TV guide for repeats of various Magic Light Pictures/Julia Donaldson animations over the Christmas period, such as The Snail and the Whale, Zog, The Gruffalo’s Child, and Superworm.
What’s the Plot?
Prepare yourself for an underwater adventure as Tiddler tells the story of a little fish with a big imagination.
Every day Tiddler arrives at school with a new tale about why he is late, which varies from being captured by squid to riding on seahorses. His imaginative stories are so interesting that they soon spread across the ocean. When Tiddler becomes lost, he realizes the tales could help him find his way home.
According to Julia Donaldson, “Tiddler is all about storytelling and big imaginations – things that are really important to me as a writer. 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.”
Who Stars in the Voice Cast?
Like past films, Tiddler features an all-star voice cast who help bring the Julia Donaldson tales to life on the small screen.
Hannah Waddingham, best known for starring in Ted Lasso and Game of Thrones, leads the cast as the narrator.
Rob Brydon (Gavin & Stacey) has returned for his 12th Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler movie adaptation, as he voices various characters, such as Fisherman, Starfish, Anchovy, and Whale.
Saltburn‘s Lolly Adefope voices Miss Skate and Alma’s Not Normal‘s Jayde Adams appears as Plaice and other characters.
Also, the animation will feature child actors Reuben Kirby as Tiddler and Theo Fraser as Johnny Dory.
Who Directed the Film?
Andy Martin and Alex Bain directed Tiddler for the BBC and Magic Light Pictures.
Who Wrote the Screenplay?
Michael Bohnenstingl wrote the movie adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s children’s book Tiddler.
What is Tiddler’s Runtime?
Tiddler will provide the whole family with half an hour of fun this Christmas.
How Many People Watch the Magic Light Pictures Films?
Tiddler marks the 12th animated special of writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s work. The films are a huge hit on the BBC, as Tabby McTat, last year’s animation, secured an audience of 8.6 million.
Can I Watch an Official Trailer for Tiddler?
Yes. You can watch the official trailer for Tiddler on YouTube now.