Alison Steadman to play inventor in new Quentin Blake show this Easter

19 March 2024 , 21:44

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Alison Steadman will play a top inventor in Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures (Image: Charlie Clift)

Alison Steadman will play a top inventor in Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures this Easter weekend.

Mrs Armitage on Wheels and Snuff, are the latest of his stories to be turned into family animations for BBC1 and CBBC. On playing Mrs Armitage, who likes daredevil activities, Alison, 77, said: “I hope I’ve captured that spirit.” In Snuff Simon Pegg voices Sir Thomas Magpie, a knight who loves flamboyant hats.

The animated box-set, based on six best-sellers also includes Jack and Nancy and Zagazoo – which aired at Christmas – and Loveykins and Angel Pavement, is set to air later this year. The actress, 77, told the Mirror: “Quentin Blake is a quintessential British icon, his whimsical illustrations and stories having charmed generations. The character, along with her faithful dog Breakspear, loves taking part in daredevil activities like skydiving.

His stories have an enduring quality that resonates with audiences of all ages - full of laughter, imagination and heart they are a perfect Easter treat.” She said she had thoroughly enjoyed being part of Mrs Armitage on Wheels.

Mrs Armitage on Wheels and Snuff, are the latest of his stories to be turned into family animations for BBC1 and CBBC (Charlie_Clift_Photography)

But an accident leaves her confidence shaken. Mrs Armitage next adapts her bicycle into an extravagant land yacht but a further mishap leaves her doubly nervous, leading her to seek out a new mode of transport altogether. He is tasked with training his clumsy page into a knight but has his work cut out because Snuff can’t horse-ride, duel, or dance. It turns out he is, however, good at outwitting villains.

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Sir Quentin Blake said: “It’s wonderful to see the characters that I’ve known for such a long time suddenly moving across the screen in front of me. The BBC and Eagle Eye have brought them to life beautifully and I’m so grateful.”

BBC children’s boss Patricia Hidalgo said the films- which air on CBBC, BBC1 and iPlayer across the Easter weekend - were a “shining example of our culturally relevant content”. She added: “These beautiful animations represent the best of British storytelling and are brought to life with a stellar line-up of talent and beautiful music performed by our friends in the BBC Philharmonic orchestra. I hope they bring delight and entertainment to our family audiences across the UK this Easter weekend."

Nicola Methven