Get ready for a delightful wave of nostalgia as one of Britain's most treasured childhood television characters is set for a triumphant return. The iconic, saggy cloth cat, Bagpuss, is being brought out of retirement for a brand new feature film, nearly five decades after he first charmed audiences on BBC television.
The beloved pink and white striped cat, who lived in a charming Edwardian shop with his friends Professor Yaffle the woodpecker, Gabriel the toad, and the musical mice on the mouse organ, will soon be gracing the big screen. The project is a heartfelt endeavour from the family of the show's original co-creator, the late Peter Firmin.
A Legacy Continued
Peter Firmin's daughter, Emily Firmin, who was the little girl in the original show's opening sequence and is now a renowned illustrator and model-maker herself, is spearheading the project. Alongside her sister, she is developing the screenplay to honour her father's incredible legacy and the whimsical world he helped build.
The original Bagpuss series, created by Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate through their Smallfilms company, only ever comprised 13 episodes. Yet, its gentle storytelling and stop-motion charm left an indelible mark on British culture. In 1999, it was officially voted the all-time favourite BBC children's programme, a testament to its enduring appeal.
Bringing The Magic To A New Generation
The new film aims to capture the same handmade magic that made the original so special. Emily Firmin has confirmed the project is in its early stages, with a script currently being written. The intention is to stay true to the spirit of the 1970s classic, potentially using a mix of modern and traditional stop-motion techniques to recreate the unique aesthetic.
Fans can expect to see all their favourite characters return for new adventures. The central theme will remain the same: Bagpuss and his friends in the shop would wake up to repair and find stories behind broken and lost items that were left for them.
Even Bagpuss Himself Was Once Lost
In a curious twist of fate that echoes the show's own plots, the original Bagpuss doll was himself a lost item for many years. After the series ended, the beloved cat was misplaced and remained missing for over a decade. He was eventually discovered, perfectly preserved, in a cardboard box within Peter Firmin's barn. He now resides on display at the Canterbury Heritage Museum, a testament to his status as a national treasure.
This upcoming film promises to be a truly authentic revival, crafted with love and respect by those who knew the world of Bagpuss best. It is set to introduce the saggy old cloth cat to a new generation while offering a beautiful, nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who remember him the first time around.
