Jennifer Saunders climbs onto The Magic Faraway Tree

Playing the ruthless grandma

Jennifer Saunders has been cast in the upcoming film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s children's classic, The Magic Faraway Tree.

The Ab Fab star will play the kids’ ruthless Grandma in the movie-currently being shot in Southern England.

Ghosts star Simon Farnaby – who penned Wonka and Paddington 2 – adapted Blyton’s story for the screen, with Ben Gregory whose credits include Cuckoo, Black Ops and Fatherhood, directing.

Also announced as joining the cast today are Hiran Abeysekera, who starred in the stage adaptation of The Life of Pi, as the Angry Pixie and Gangs of London's Pippa Bennett-Warner as Grandma’s assistant, Hannah.

Producer Pippa Harris said: ‘Just when we thought our casting line-up couldn’t get any more thrilling, we have been joined by these hugely gifted actors. I know they will bring wit, wonder and warmth to their performances and we’re delighted that they are joining us for this magical adventure’

The Thompson children will be played by newcomers Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Billie Gadsdon and Phoenix Laroche.

Simon William of Ashland Hill Media Finance, which is funding the film, said: ‘‘It’s a remarkable opportunity to have gathered such a stellar and magnetic cast.

’We couldn’t be more excited for audiences of all ages to be transported into a world they’ve never seen before, and to experience this wondrous story come to life’.

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Published: 8 Aug 2024