All-star cast for Magic Roundabout movie

Megabucks chart stars Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue are to head an all-star cast for a big screen version of children’s TV programme The Magic Roundabout.

Robbie, who just signed a massive new record deal, is to play world-weary Dougal The Dog while Minogue will voice prim Florence.

The animated movie, which went into production last month, will take around 18 months to bring to life and should be released in 2004.

It is not Robbie’s first venture into cartoons – the video to Let Love Be Your Energy was animated and he provided the voice of the narrator in short Christmas film Hooves Of Fire.

He figures among the top acting talent and cult names who have been lined up for the film.

Joanna Lumley has landed the unlikely role of a cow, playing contemplative Ermintrude. Richard O’Brien, creator of the Rocky Horror Show will be the bizarre spring-propelled Zebedee, known for his catchphrase “time for bed”.

Tom Baker – known to a generation for playing the fourth Doctor Who – is to play ZeeBadee, while screen hardman Ray Winstone will play Soldier Sam, both of which are new characters.

Oscar winner and regular in Mike Leigh’s films, Jim Broadbent, will play the well-loved Brian the snail.

The characters will be computer generated for the new movie which is being directed by Dave Borthwick.

The Magic Roundabout was a TV hit for many years after being created by Serge Danot in the mid-Sixties for French TV.

Eric Thompson – father of actress Emma – narrated and scripted the UK versions of the surreal five-minute adventures.

The movie is being distributed by Pathe, which was behind the animation hit Chicken Run.

The actor set to play Dylan the spaced-out rabbit will be unveiled at a later date.

Francois Ivernel, managing director of Pathe Pictures, said: “The Magic Roundabout is a wonderful property that holds fond memories for many parents and young children.

“It is hugely exciting to introduce Dougal and his friends to a new generation.

"We are delighted to be signing some of the hottest talent in the world, who are going to bring the characters alive and we are confident we shall follow in the successful footsteps of our last animated feature, Chicken Run.”