Cumberbatch and Oyelowo lend voices to The Tiger Who Came To Tea film
Benedict Cumberbatch, David Oyelowo and Paul Whitehouse are among the starstudded cast in a TV adaptation of children’s book The Tiger Who Came To Tea.
Tamsin Greig and David Walliams will also lend their voices to the short animated film, which will air this Christmas on Channel 4.
The much-loved children’s book by Judith Kerr, who died earlier this year, will be brought to life in a special from the makers of We’re Going On A Bear Hunt and The Snowman And The Snowdog.
The Tiger Who Came To Tea has sold more than five million copies since it was first published in 1968. It tells the story of a tea-guzzling tiger who turns up unannounced and eats and drinks Sophie and her mother out of house and home.
Selma actor Oyelowo will voice the Tiger, Sherlock star Cumberbatch will be Daddy and Episodes star Greig will bring Mummy to life.
The Fast Show’s Whitehouse will play the Milkman while Britain’s Got Talent judge Walliams will play the Narrator.
Seven-year-old newcomer Clara Ross will make her TV debut as Sophie.
O ye lowo said :“who wouldn’ t jump at the chance to play the iconic Tiger from The Tiger Who Came to Tea? He’s a big cat of few words because he’s too busy eating! But I relished finding my inner cat.”
Cumberbatch paid tribute to Kerr’s “timeless children’s classic”, saying he “couldn’t be more thrilled to be playing a small part” in bringing it to another generation.
Walliams said: “I knew Judith well and I really adored her.
“She was an incredible inspiration–her work is so brilliant. The book is a thing of beauty – there isn’t a word out of place, the illustrations are just gorgeous.
“I really wanted to be a part of it and I was chuffed that she wanted me to narrate. I’m so proud to be associated with it because it’s a stone-cold classic.”
Kerr died in May at the age of 95. She was known for other works such as When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit and the Mog The Cat series.