A film about a fantasist fish isn’t the most obvious subject for Christmas Day – except when it’s based on the beloved children’s story by prolific British author Julia Donaldson and her longtime illustrator Axel Scheffler. “Tiddler” is the twelfth of Donaldson and Scheffler’s collaborations to be adapted by U.K. production company Magic Light Pictures and, true to form, it boasts an all-star voice cast, including “Ted Lasso’s” Hannah Waddingham as the narrator.
Speaking at a press event in November, Donaldson elaborated on the book, which shares the same name as the film. It features one of her favorite plot devices. Tiddler, the mischievous school-aged fish, is perpetually late for class because his mind is wandering through his wild imagination. When Tiddler is accidentally kidnapped, he embarks on an adventure to find his way home, tracing his story through the tales shared by various undersea creatures who have crossed paths with him.
“I think actually it’s the best moment in my whole writing career when I thought of [the story of Tiddler],” Donaldson said. “That came in a flash, you see, he would find his way home by following his own stories through the ocean. I was really proud of this idea because it beautifully contrasts ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf.’ While the latter teaches readers not to fabricate stories, ‘Tiddler’ celebrates imagination itself.”
The film adaptation, airing on the BBC on December 25, at 2:35 PM, builds on Donaldson and Scheffler’s legacy of innovative children’s storytelling. Producer Barney Goodland described “Tiddler” as “a beautifully illustrated and imaginative underwater adventure” and emphasized how the film’s themes resonate with Magic Light's philosophy. “Its celebration of the power of storytelling speaks to everything we do, and exploring this theme has been a real joy,” he added.
Children and families can look forward to the tender and whimsical narrative, adorned with vivid animation and special storytelling moments. Donaldson pointed out how this adaptation highlights not just storytelling but also the art of illustration, giving Tiddler’s friend Johnny Dory the role of showcasing his talent as an artist.
“I think it’s lovely the way they’re not just celebrating story-writing but illustration too,” Donaldson noted. For executive producer Martin Pope, the heart of the tale lies within its ability to inspire children. “Embrace stories. Listen to your children. Tell them lots and lots of stories,” he encouraged. “We celebrate these two marvelous creators [Donaldson and Scheffler] because of the wonderful narratives they create.”
The show features captivating voice performances. Hannah Waddingham leads the cast as the narrator. Known for her roles in “Ted Lasso” and “Game of Thrones,” Waddingham expressed her excitement to bring Tiddler to life. “Voicing the narrator for this Christmas special from Magic Light Pictures has been such a delight. Tiddler is the tale of the storyteller within us all and helps children understand what it's like to be a small fish in such a vast ocean,” she said. “I've loved reading Julia and Axel's books to my daughter over the years and bringing one of them to screen is simply wonderful.”
The cast also includes Lolly Adefope, who plays Miss Skate, the school teacher perplexed by Tiddler's creative excuses for his lateness. Adefope is recognized for her performances in popular series such as “Ghosts” and “Shrill.” Meanwhile, Jayde Adams, known for her appearances alongside British comedy greats, lends her voice to several characters including Plaice. Rob Brydon, another renowned comedian and actor, takes on multiple roles, including those of Fisherman, Whale, Starfish, and Anchovy.
Through the lens of artistry and narration, “Tiddler” invites children and families to immerse themselves in matter of storytelling during the festive season. It remindas us of the importance of creativity and narrative, emphasizing the values of imagination and sharing tales with each other. “Tiddler” provides not just entertainment but also nourishes young minds, allowing them to dream and enjoy the world’s wonders. So, gather the family, snuggle up on Christmas Day, and prepare for a delightful adventure with Tiddler, the little fish with extraordinary tales.
