The Snail And The Whale
A half hour animated film for all the family based on the much-loved book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
Published: 12 November 2019
This is the sea, So wild and free, That carried the whale, And the snail on his tail.
The Snail And The Whale is the much loved classic that shows us a restless young snail who has ambitions to travel the world.
The other snails think she should stay put, but she puts out a call for a “lift wanted around the world”. Eventually her call is answered by a great big grey-blue humpback whale! She sets off with him across the seas.
On their journey the snail and the whale discover towering icebergs and far-off lands, fiery mountains and golden sands. The snail is delighted by the wonderful world around her, until she realises how small it makes her feel.
Then when the whale get confused by noisy motorboats zooming on the surface, he loses his way in the shallows and ends up beached in an isolated bay.
Suddenly it’s down to the tiny snail to rescue the powerless whale. She crawls off determinedly, to a school where she alerts the children by writing: “Save the whale”. They call the fire brigade and everyone works together to help the stranded whale.
Free once more, the whale takes the snail back home, only to discover the other snails are inspired by the tale of the tiny snail. So they all set off together, on the tail of the whale, on a new epic journey.
From Magic Light Pictures, producers of the hugely successful films The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, Room On The Broom, Stick Man, The Highway Rat, Zog and Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes.
Featuring the voices of Rob Brydon as the whale, Sally Hawkins as the snail, Dame Diana Rigg as the narrator and Cariad Lloyd as the teacher.
Directed by Max Lang and Daniel Snaddon; produced by Michael Rose and Martin Pope of Magic Light Pictures; with animation services provided by Triggerfish Animation.
SF/TB
Cast quotes
Rob Brydon says: “It’s always so wonderful to work with Magic Light on these animated specials for Christmas. The Snail And The Whale is a longstanding favourite in our house. It’s an epic journey across the globe, where the tiniest creature and the mightiest mammal experiences the vastness of our planet together.”
Sally Hawkins says: "I’m very proud to voice the little snail in this magical film. Both characters go on such a heartwarming, emotional and ultimately life changing journey together. It’s a very beautiful and important friendship for them both. The protection of our oceans is everything; I hope this animation will inspire family audiences everywhere in helping to take care of our beautiful earth and its creatures for future generations and beyond”
Dame Diana Rigg says: "I jumped at the chance to narrate this wonderful story. It’s beautiful, thoughtful and inspiring in so many ways. My grandchild is a huge fan of these books and films and I’m looking forward to us watching The Snail And The Whale together this Christmas."
