Bagpuss: The Return of the Beloved Cloth Cat - A Magical Journey to the Big Screen
Bagpuss, the beloved saggy old cloth cat from the iconic children's TV show, is set to make a comeback in a new film. The original show, created by Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate, featured Bagpuss and his friends in a magical shop for lost property. The new film will combine live action and animation and is scheduled for release in 2027.
The show, which was voted the all-time favorite children's program in 1999, featured a cast of charming characters, including Madeleine the rag doll, Gabriel the toad, and Professor Yaffle the woodpecker. Each episode revolved around a new item brought into the shop for repair, rather than resale, and featured specially written songs inspired by folk tunes.
While the original series was set in the Victorian era, the new film will take place in modern-day Britain. The story will follow Bagpuss and his friends as they awaken in contemporary times and continue their mission of mending broken items. The film promises to blend heartfelt storytelling, comedy, and music while staying true to the spirit of the classic series.
The production company behind the film, Threewise Entertainment, has the approval of the estates of the show's creators, Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate. Emily Firmin, Peter's daughter, expressed her excitement about Bagpuss's return, emphasizing the character's enduring magic and the valuable lessons he taught about kindness, care, and imagination.
In 2009, Daniel Postgate, Oliver's son, rejected a proposed CGI TV revival of Bagpuss, citing concerns about maintaining the original show's integrity. Threewise Entertainment's film project received Daniel's approval before his passing in June. The film aims to honor the legacy of Bagpuss and introduce the beloved character to a new generation of fans.
Bagpuss joins the ranks of other British children's TV classics that have transitioned to the big screen, such as Postman Pat, Wallace & Gromit, Fireman Sam, and Thomas the Tank Engine. The upcoming film promises to capture the timeless charm and magic of Bagpuss for audiences old and new, ensuring that the beloved saggy old cloth cat's legacy lives on for years to come.