We might not have yet had a summer but there’s some good news to look forward to for Christmas when it’s cold outside and you’re looking for something to watch.
The BBC and Magic Light Pictures has announced it is adapting The Baddies by Dame Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler which will air over the festive period, following over a decade of fantastic storytelling at that particular time of year.
Returning star Rob Brydon will be joined by Gavin & Stacey favourites Alison Steadman and Sheridan Smith among others including Hammed Animashaun, Robyn Cara and Francesca Mills.
The Baddies is about some of the worst villains in the world, including a troll played by Animashaun, a ghost (Rob Brydon) and a witch (Alison Steadman). They love being bad and boasting about it.
When a girl (Robyn Cara) with a blue spotty hanky moves into a cottage nearby, the trio debate about what tricks they want to play on her. A mouse (Francesca Mills) sets a challenge for the Baddies to see who can steal the hanky – but it seems they’ve met their match with the little girl…
Ultimately, The Baddies is a story of courage, kindness and the power of standing up to bullies.
Speaking of the creation of the story and adaptation, Donaldson shared: “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.”
Smith, who acts as the narrator, added: “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.”
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Last year, viewers enjoyed The Scarecrows’ Wedding, with the BBC earning 8.7 million views over the festive period.
Other Magic Light adaptations of Donaldson and Scheffler’s stories are available to stream on iPlayer, including The Gruffalo, Stick Man and The Highway Rat.
The Baddies will air over the Christmas period on the BBC.
Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Helen Daly is the Deputy Digital Editor for Radio Times, overseeing new initiatives and commercial projects for the brand. She was previously Deputy TV Editor at a national publication. She has a BA in English Literature and an MA in Media & Journalism from Newcastle University.
