Timothy Spall and Victoria Wood have signed up to star in a new TV adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ classic book Fungus The Bogeyman.
Mr Turner star Timothy will play the title role of Fungus, a Bogeyman who lives underground with his son, Mould, and has to frighten humans, known as “Dry Cleaners”, in the Sky1 four-part drama, to be broadcast this Christmas.
Comedian Victoria takes on the other lead role of “Dry Cleaner” Eve, while the all-star cast in the supernatural drama – to be narrated by Andy Serkis – also features Keeley Hawes and Marc Warren.
Timothy said: “Fungus has brought joy to generations of children and I am so thrilled to be playing such a beloved character.”
He said that it was “great” to be bringing “Fungus the Bogeyman out of the pages of Raymond Briggs’ book and on to the small screen this Christmas.”
The picture book, by the author of The Snowman, was first published in 1977.
It was adapted into a three-part BBC comedy series, starring Martin Clunes, in 2004.
The Thick Of It’s Joanna Scanlan will play Fungus The Bogeyman’s beloved Bogeywife Mildrew and Game Of Thrones actor Paul Kaye has been cast as the “bogeyhunter”.
The Casual Vacancy actress Keeley and The Musketeers star Marc play Wendy and Daryl Snow, “Dry Cleaners” who live on the surface with their daughter Lucy.
Sky1 said that the drama would feature a “wondrous world where Fungus goes about his business menacing and frightening those on the surface.
“Drawn from the character of Raymond Briggs’ book, Fungus is a family (bogey) man who has lived underground for hundreds of years, never questioning his own existence… until now.
“Over the course of the series viewers will follow Fungus and his son Mould’s journey through the maze of life on the surface, while also discovering the highs and lows of their father and son relationship.”
The drama, to be directed by Catherine Morshead, whose credits include Downton Abbey and Shameless, will begin production this week.
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