Two of Ireland’s leading actors, Ms Jessie Buckley and Mr Domhnall Gleeson, will join forces to voice the lead roles in a new BBC Christmas animation, “The Scarecrows’ Wedding”.
The half-hour special is an adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved children’s book, produced by Magic Light Pictures, latter the team behind many of the BBC’s festive favourites including The Gruffalo; Zog and The Snail and the Whale.
The “The Scarecrows’ Wedding” follows the life of two devoted scarecrows, Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay, as they prepare for their wedding day. But their plans are thrown into disarray by the arrival of the charming yet troublesome Reginald Rake.
Ms Buckley, who hails from Killarney, Co Kerry, and who was a former secondary school student of the Ursuline Convent in Thurles, has long established herself as one of Ireland’s most acclaimed performers. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in The Lost Daughter and has also starred in Wild Rose, Men (2022), and Fargo.
Speaking about her role as ‘Betty O’Barley‘, Ms Buckley said: “I love this story. The film has so many beautiful little moments, but I particularly love the scene where the first glimmers of love appear between Harry and Betty – the anxiety and tentativeness around that. They’re both edging closer to realising they want to be together… we’ve all been there. It’s all about young love, and recognising what’s truly important in life.”
Mr Gleeson, who voices ‘Harry O’Hay‘, described his character as “warm-hearted, loyal and loving”. “Harry is determined to make the wedding perfect for Betty,” he said. “I loved bringing him to life, especially when his devotion is tested and he has to prove he’s the real hero of the story. It’s a thrill to be part of something made especially for children at Christmas.”
The film is directed by Samantha Cutler and Jeroen Jaspaert, from a script by Steven Bloomer. It is produced by Barney Goodland and Michael Rose for Magic Light Pictures, with animation services provided by Red Star and Triggerfish Animation.
“The Scarecrows’ Wedding” will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this coming Christmas.
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