NRT briefing
Gavin and Stacey stars to feature in festive Julia Donaldson TV adaptation
Based on reporting by BBC News.
The Brief
A new animated adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's picture book The Baddies will air on the BBC over the Christmas period, with Welsh actor Rob Brydon voicing the character Ghost. Brydon is joined by his Gavin and Stacey co-stars Sheridan Smith and Alison Steadman, along with Hammed Animashaun as Troll, Robyn Cara as Girl, and Francesca Mills as narrator.
The half-hour special, produced by Magic Light Pictures, follows a girl with a blue spotty hanky who moves to a cottage near the titular Baddies—a troll, a ghost, and a witch. A mouse challenges the Baddies to steal the hanky, but they meet their match in the brave girl.
The BBC and Magic Light say the story celebrates courage, kindness, and standing up to bullies. Donaldson said she loved inventing the "gloriously wicked" characters and thinking about what happens when they meet someone brave enough to outwit them. Smith said it was "such a joy" to bring the story to life, describing the film as "funny, spooky and full of heart." Brydon previously appeared in adaptations of Donaldson's The Gruffalo, Zog, and The Scarecrows' Wedding.
NRT commentary
How We See It
This festive adaptation of The Baddies highlights the enduring appeal of Julia Donaldson's storytelling, which consistently blends whimsy with moral lessons. In an era where children's entertainment often prioritizes spectacle over substance, it's refreshing to see a half-hour special that explicitly champions courage and kindness, values that resonate across generations.
The casting of familiar BBC faces like Rob Brydon and Sheridan Smith also underscores the continued strength of British talent in animation, a sector that often looks to star power for draw. However, one might note that the BBC's reliance on such adaptations—while reliably charming—could risk becoming formulaic, leaning on established names rather than nurturing new voices.
Still, as a holiday offering, it's a safe bet for families seeking wholesome fare. The emphasis on outwitting bullies rather than defeating them through force is a particularly positive message for young viewers, reinforcing that cleverness and bravery can triumph over intimidation—a lesson as timely now as ever.
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