Magic Light Productions have treated everyone to yet another Christmas delight. The company behind The Stickman. Gruffalo and 2012’s Room on a Broom have adapted the popular children’s story by Julia Donaldson for perfect post-lunch viewing. The 30 minute outing follows the titular character, Highway Rat, on his journey and growth from selfish cake thief to understanding cake shop worker. Our anti-hero is voiced by Time-lord alumni David Tennant. The show is rounded out with a star-fuelled cast and wonderfully narrated by Rob Brydon.

It’s charming, funny and filled with catchphrases that little ones will be shouting along to by the time the Highway Rat meets his third victim. The tale teeters on the side of darkness as it progresses and the Highway Rat peeks with his villainy. By the time he’s come across Duck, voiced by Nina Sosany you’d be forgiven for having a Tennant-like nostalgia for hiding behind the couch.

The story draws to a close with the Highway Rat learning his lesson and the other creatures celebrating the return of their prized food. There’s a nice little nod to the production companies previous outing in the shape of a beautiful cookie and the animation’s surprise star, the Highway Rat’s steed, ends the show on a high. It’s a piece of Christmas charm for the whole family, but will be enjoyed best with a side of little ones.