Tabby McTat film: BBC’s Julia Donaldson Christmas 2023 adaptation cast with Rob Brydon - and release date

Tabby McTat, a 2009 children’s book by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, is the latest story by the pair to be adapted into an animated Christmas special by the BBC.

Donaldson and Scheffler have worked together since they published A Squash and a Squeeze in 1993, and have since produced many popular children’s books together, including The Gruffalo, Zog, Room on the Broom, and Charlie Cook's Favorite Book.

Donaldson’s books have become so popular that in 2014 she was the fourth highest-earning author of all time, ahead of Da Vinci Code writer Dan Brown.

Most years since 2009, and every year since 2017, the BBC has released an animated adaptation of a different book by Donaldson and Scheffler - the short films feature popular British actors in voice roles.

This year’s adaptation is Tabby McTat, and first look images from the film, which stars Jodie Whittaker and Rob Brydon, have been released.

What is Tabby McTat about?

Tabby McTat is a heartwarming tale set on the streets of London. The story follows a musical cat Tabby, and Fred, a talented busker, who work together to earn their living.

When Tabby falls in love with Sock, a green-eyed cat who he meets on the streets, he loses interest in busking. But when Fred is hurt and taken to hospital, Tabby misses his friend desperately and sets out to reunite with him.

Who is in the cast of Tabby McTat?

• Jodie Whittaker as the narrator
• Rob Brydon as Fred
• Sope Dirisu as Tabby McTat
• Susan Wokoma as Sock
• Cariad Lloyd as Prunella
• Joanna Scanlan as Pat

Which other Julia Donladson adaptations have been made?

The other children’s books by Julia Donaldson that have been adapted into animated short films by the BBC are:

• The Gruffalo (2009)
• The Gruffalo's Child (2011) 
• Room on the Broom (2012)
• Stick Man (2015)
• The Highway Rat (2017) 
• Zog (2018)
• The Snail and the Whale (2019)
• Zog and the Flying Doctors (2020)
• Superworm (2021)
• The Smeds and the Smoos (2022)

When is the release date of Tabby McTat?

Like all of the BBC’s Julia Donaldson adaptations, Tabby McTat will air on BBC One on Christmas Day. It will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer. All of the earlier adaptations are available to watch on iPlayer now.