Partridge in a Bear Tree

Sophie was on our writing team for Luo Bao Bei and we had a lot of fun developing Partridge in a Bear Tree with her. The story took a many number of directions and at one stage things did go a little too strange when it became a rather sombre tale about a Bear who thought he was a pear who was annually orphaned by his ripening and harvested family…it was a bit too dark…

‘I’m beyond excited to be working with Cloth Cat to bring Partridge in a Bear Tree to life. The studio was my first creative home, so I know first-hand how amazingly talented (and hilarious) the crew are! I’ve been blown away by what I’ve seen of Partridge so far, and I can’t wait to see what surprises the next few weeks have in store.’ Mother Partridge (Sophie Dutton)

Sophie Dutton is an animation scriptwriter and artist with writing credits on Luo Bao Bei (Channel 5’s Milkshake!) and Go Jetters (CBeebies). Together with her partner Jake Harvey, she created animated short film Lost, which won AniJam 2017 and was shown at Encounters Film Festival and Cardiff Animation Festival. Now London-based, Sophie is currently writing on Hey Duggee (CBeebies) and LOVING IT.

We were delighted that the incredible Mark Lewis Jones popped into the studio to record a key role in ‘Partridge in a Bear Tree’. Mark is famous for his roles on many TV series and films and his unmistakably gruff voice meant he was the perfect voice for our grumpy, winter Bear! He also voiced Snail!

Mark Lewis Jones is a Welsh actor who trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. On stage he’s worked at the RSC and Shakespeare’s Globe and his extensive TV credits include Carnival Row (2019), Stella (2012-2017) National Treasure (2016), 37 Days (2014), Baker Boys (2011), Game of Thrones (2011), 55 Degrees North (2004), Waking the Dead (2000) and he’s appeared in several notable, high-budget feature films that include Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003), Troy (2004), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), Robin Hood (2010) and more recently he can be seen in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017).

Playing Grandma Partridge is the wonderful Sharon Morgan! Sharon is a multiple Bafta Cymru Best Actress award winner, whose film credits include Apostle, Under Milk Wood, Svengali, Abraham’s Point and the title role in the multi BAFTA-winning Martha, Jac a Sianco. Leading TV credits include Welsh thriller series 35 Diwrnod (35 Days), Hinterland, Holby City and The Green Hollow. Sharon played Esmerelda in The Evermoor Chronicles for the Disney Channel and also starred in Da Vinci’s Demons, Torchwood and Midsomer Murders. On stage Sharon has worked with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, National Theatre Wales, Sherman Cymru, Sheffield Crucible, Clwyd Theatr Cymru and Wales Millennium Centre amongst many others. Sharon has also worked extensively with BBC Radio Drama and voiced many documentaries and animated series.

Introducing Emillie Thomas-Curtis who plays Little Partridge!

Emillie joined us in the booth to record the dialogue for our enthusiastic and intrepid lead character. She brought so much fun, energy and spirit to our beloved Little Partridge that we knew right away she was perfect for the role.

Whether it’s acting or playing her guitar, 11 year old Emillie loves to perform. She voiced multiple extras on Channel 5’s Milkshake! Luo Bao Bei and was very excited to take on her first lead role as Little Partridge in ‘Partridge in a Bear Tree’.