The beloved children's book The Baddies, written by Dame Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, is set to be transformed into a special BBC animated feature this Christmas.
Star-Studded Cast Announced
The half-hour animated production, brought to life by Magic Light Pictures, will feature an impressive cast including Rob Brydon, Sheridan Smith, and Alison Steadman, all well-known for their roles in Gavin and Stacey. The story follows a trio of baddies—a troll, a ghost, and a witch—who set their sights on a young girl who moves into their neighborhood.
Author's Delight
Dame Julia expressed her excitement about the adaptation, saying: "The Baddies was enormous fun to write because I loved inventing these gloriously wicked characters and then thinking about what might happen when they finally meet someone brave enough to outwit them. Magic Light has done a brilliant job bringing the story to life, and the cast have captured all the humour, silliness, and spookiness perfectly."
Voice Roles Revealed
Rob Brydon, 61, will lend his voice to the ghost, while Alison Steadman, 79, will portray the witch. Hammed Animashaun, known for Black Ops, will voice the troll, and Robyn Cara from Trying will play the girl. Francesca Mills, who appeared in Harlots, will voice a mouse, with Sheridan Smith, 44, taking on the role of narrator.
The plot sees the mouse challenge the baddies to steal the girl's blue spotty hanky, only to discover they have met their match.
Smith's Enthusiasm
Sheridan Smith shared her joy: "I've always loved Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's stories, so it was such a joy to be part of bringing The Baddies to life. The film is funny, spooky, and full of heart, and the animation is absolutely beautiful. I think families are going to have enormous fun watching these wonderful characters causing chaos this Christmas."
A Tradition of Adaptations
This latest adaptation continues a tradition of Magic Light Pictures bringing Dame Julia's books to the BBC for Christmas specials. Previous successes include The Gruffalo, Zog, and last year's The Scarecrows' Wedding, all of which are available on iPlayer.
An exact air time and date for The Baddies special have yet to be announced, but it will be broadcast on both BBC iPlayer and BBC One this Christmas.
