Magic Light Pictures’ 13th Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler adaptation captivates audiences across a highly competitive festive schedule
Magic Light Pictures’ heart-warming animated special The Scarecrows’ Wedding delighted 8.7 million viewers on the BBC across the festive period, topping Christmas Day ratings as the UK’s most watched title.
It was the thirteenth animated special from the multi-Oscar-nominated production company behind the beloved Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler adaptations. This result reinforces the BBC’s position as home of Magic Light’s festive family animations. Premiering on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on Christmas Day, The Scarecrows’ Wedding, secured the number one ratings spot and achieved Magic Light’s highest-ever audience share at 48.2%, attracting 1.4 million more viewers than last year’s Christmas film, Tiddler.
Julia Donaldson’s iconic characters charmed viewers, with critics praising The Scarecrows’ Wedding: The Telegraph called it a “cosy festive fixture” and “feelgood seasonal institution”, Radio Times highlighted its “beautiful moments” and the “great chemistry” between Jessie Buckley and Domhnall Gleeson, and The Times described it as “its own simple gift at Christmas.”
Reinforcing the films’ status as staples in the BBC’s Christmas line-up, Magic Light’s entire catalogue of Scheffler and Donaldson specials was also repeated over theholiday period and remains available on BBC iPlayer. Zog, Zog and the Flying Doctors, The Smeds and the Smoos, The Highway Rat, The Snail and the Whale, Stick Man, The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, Room on the Broom, Tabby McTat, Superworm and Tiddler all secured an audience share of 30% when shown again on BBC One, and remain some of the BBC’s most popular titles on BBC iPlayer.
“Viewers have been truly enchanted by The Scarecrows’ Wedding, winning hearts across the UK this Christmas. We’re immensely proud of the production’s quality – from the stunning animation to the exceptional voice talent bringing Julia Donaldson’s beloved characters to life. Our ongoing partnership with Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler continues to inspire us and seeing such a large audience enjoy the special is incredibly rewarding. Magic Light Pictures takes pride in delighting audiences year after year, and this Christmas has been a wonderful reminder of the joy these stories bring.”
Marc Ollington, Co-Managing Director of Magic Light Pictures
Brought to life with stunning CGI animation, The Scarecrows’ Wedding is based on the bestselling book first published by Scholastic in 2014. The story follows devoted scarecrows Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay as they prepare for their big day. When Harry leaves the farm to fetch one last thing, a smooth-talking rival, Reginald Rake, causes chaos and puts Betty in danger. With everything at stake, can Harry return in time to save the wedding?
Academy Award nominee Sophie Okonedo (Slow Horses, Hotel Rwanda) narrates the half-hour special, joined by all-star voice cast including recent Oscar and BAFTA nominee Jessie Buckley (Hamnet, Wicked Little Letters, Wild Rose) as Betty O’Barley, Domhnall Gleeson (About Time, Alice and Jack) as Harry O’Hay, and returning favourite Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey, The Trip) back for his thirteenth Donaldson and Scheffler adaptation as Reginald Rake.
The film was directed Samantha Cutler and Jeroen Jaspaert, written by Steven Bloomer, produced by Barney Goodland and Michael Rose, and animated by Triggerfish Animation studios.
