The BBC has announced the voice cast for animated series Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures produced by Eagle Eye Drama for CBBC and BBC iPlayer.

Commissioned by the BBC for December 2023, the animated box set of hand-picked specials is based on six iconic best-selling books (Zagazoo, Loveykins, Jack and Nancy, Snuff, Angel Pavement and Mrs Armitage on Wheels) from Sir Quentin Blake.

Adrian Lester (Hustle, Primary Colors, The Day After Tomorrow) will narrate the series. Alison Steadman (Life is Sweet, Secrets and Lies, Gavin and Stacey) will star as the voice of the indomitable Mrs Armitage whilst Simon Pegg (Mission Impossible, Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) will voice lead roles in Zagazoo, Snuffand Angel Pavement and Nina Sosanya (Teachers, W1A, Killing Eve) will bring Angela Bowling to life in Loveykins.

Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures is a collection of six animated stories from the illustrator and master storyteller. An international bestseller for seven decades, 89-year-old Quentin Blake has written or illustrated over 500 books.

Patricia Hidalgo, Director BBC Children’s and Education, said:  “When it comes to storytelling for children, the UK has a rich heritage and history of creativity and Quentin Blake is known around the world for his unique talent. His imagination has brought magic to the lives of so many people, both young and old and it is an absolute privilege to be involved in this project. We’re delighted to be working with such a phenomenal, diverse cast of actors that will bring these beautiful characters to life for family audiences to enjoy on the BBC.”

Eagle Eye Drama’s Creative Director Massimo Fenati added: ‘’This is a dream project for us and being able to work with such amazing talent will certainly enhance the performance of our animated characters. We can’t wait to see them leap from the pages of Quentin Blake’s famous books onto our screens.’’

Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures is commissioned by Patricia Hidalgo, Director of Children’s and Education and the BBC’s Head of Commissioning 7+ Sarah Muller. The Executive Producer for the BBC is Jo Allen and the programme will be produced by Eagle Eye Drama in a co-production with Creative Conspiracy and in association with animation studios Spicy Acorn, Tchack and Kong. The series will be directed by Gerrit Bekers under the supervision of Eagle Eye’s Creative Director for Animation Massimo Fenati and produced by Executive Producer Tess Cuming along with Creative Conspiracy’s Luc Van Driessche with Eagle Eye Drama’s Jo McGrath and Walter Iuzzolino overseeing the project.

Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures will be distributed internationally by Aardman Animations.

Quentin Blake is represented by United Talent

 

Jon Creamer

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