First look at Dawn French in new drama about Beatrix Potter and Roald Dahl

We’ve got some brand new photos from Sky’s new TV movie about a young Roald Dahl meeting Beatrix Potter.

From the makers of Sherlock, the one-off film was announced earlier this year.

Roald & Beatrix: The Tail of the Curious Mouse is inspired by the true story of when a six-year old Roald Dahl set off on a big adventure to meet his favourite author, Beatrix Potter.

The uplifting 90-minute comedy drama is described as “a magical story of what can happen when you are brave enough to follow your dreams…”

The movie blends live action camera work, stop-frame animation and puppetry to bring to life the vivid imaginations and magical worlds of these two inspiring and renowned children’s authors.

Filming began in Cardiff, Wales this autumn, having been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Vicar of Dibley star Dawn French is playing English writer, illustrator, natural scientist, and conservationist Beatrix Potter, alongside newcomer Harry Tayler as Roald Dahl.

Best known as the creator of Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter was previously played by Renée Zellweger in the 2006 movie Miss Potter.

Dawn French and Harry Taylor will be joined in Roald & Beatrix: The Tail of the Curious Mouse by Jessica Hynes (Up the Women), Rob Brydon (The Trip), Alison Steadman (Gavin and Stacey), Nina Sosanya (Brave New World), Bill Bailey (In The Long Run), and Nick Mohammed (Intelligence), with narration by John Hannah (Sliding Doors).

Jon Mountague, Director of Comedy at Sky Studios, previously commented: “Roald Dahl taught us ‘a little magic can take you a long way’. This Christmas, Sky presents the magical tale of how a boyhood Dahl met his idol Beatrix Potter.

“With Dawn French leading an all-star cast this surprising story, inspired by a real life encounter, is a tale as much for our times as yesteryear.”

Roald & Beatrix: The Tail of the Curious Mouse will premiere in the UK at 8pm on Thursday 24th December on Sky One, and on demand on streaming service NOW TV.

It was announced last week that Dawn French is returning as vicar Geraldine in three special new The Vicar of Dibley episodes this festive season.

new movie about Roald Dahl’s marriage to actress Patricia Neal is also coming in 2021.

The incredible cast of British period drama stars includes Hugh Bonneville from Downton Abbey and Keeley Hawes from The Durrells.

Roald Dahl’s autobiography Boy: Tales of Childhood is available on Amazon.