• Home
• The Magic Roundabout

Page

The Magic Roundabout

• Summary
• How to watch
• News & features

❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

The Magic Roundabout

Save

• Adventure
• Animation

• 2005
• Dave Borthwick
• 78 mins
• U

Summary

Animated adventure, based on the children's TV classic, featuring the voices of Robbie Williams, Bill Nighy, Ian McKellen and Kylie Minogue. On a manic hunt for sugar, Dougal the dog inadvertently releases evil sorcerer Zeebad from his prison beneath the roundabout. Free after centuries, the malevolent creature aims to cast the world into darkness, but first he has to capture three magic diamonds. Can Dougal and his pals stop Zeebad's wicked plans by getting to the gems first?

Ad

Powered By

IMDB

Review

A star rating of 3 out of 5.

Sloan Freer

The much-loved children's TV classic is re-imagined for 21st-century youngsters in this attractive computer-animated adventure. Using the original characters as a springboard, the film broadens and updates their escapades to satisfy contemporary tastes. The result is a colourful tribute to the eccentric 1960s show, in which Dougal the dog inadvertently releases imprisoned sorcerer Zeebad (voiced by Tom Baker). Free after centuries, the malevolent Zeebad aims to cast the world into darkness, beginning by encasing the roundabout in ice and trapping little girl Florence (Kylie Minogue). It's up to Dougal and his pals to save the day. Though this is a feature for the very young, there's enough to keep grown-up nostalgia fans happy. The dialogue and comic scenarios still have their knowing undertones, while the slightly beefed-up characters retain their simple charm. Despite a thin plot, the story skips along nicely, bolstered by a sunny pop soundtrack and spot-on voice casting. Bill Nighy's hippy rabbit Dylan is particularly fun, but it's Robbie Williams's cheeky turn as Dougal that's the most pleasant surprise.

imdb-square

5.3/10

How to watch

Loading

Streaming

• Sky Store

Credits

Cast

rolenameZeebadTom BakerBrianJim BroadbentErmintrudeJoanna LumleyFlorenceKylie MinogueDougalRobbie WilliamsZebedeeIan McKellenDylanBill NighySoldier SamRay WinstoneTrainLee Evans

Show more

Crew

rolenameDirectorDave BorthwickDirectorJean DuvalDirectorFrank Passingham

Details

Theatrical distributor

Pathe{acute}

Released on

2005-02-11

Languages

English | French

Available on

video and DVD

Formats

Colour

News & features about The Magic Roundabout

• 
  
  As Dougal and friends turn 60, Radio Times explores the magic behind The Magic Roundabout
  
  On the big birthday of this children's classic, we celebrate the man who brought it and many others to life – genius animator Ivor Wood.

• 
  
  The Young Ones' Nigel Planer says Adrian Edmondson "regrets" falling out with late Rik Mayall before death
  
  Nigel Planer discusses his role as Neil the hippy in The Young Ones and much more in his new memoir.

  Ad

• 
  
  Radio Times' Don Smith photographs - from Doctor Who to Judi Dench
  
  Radio Times shares a selection of late staff photographer Don Smith's work.

• 
  
  Radio Times staff photographer Don Smith dies, aged 89: Tribute to a legend
  
  Radio Times says farewell to a magazine great.

• 
  
  Back to the Edge: The inside story, with rare RT photos, of one of the greatest TV dramas of them all
  
  Actor Ian McNeice digs deep into Edge of Darkness – 40 years old but still hailed by critics and viewers as a masterpiece – and Radio Times celebrates by mining its picture archive.

Ad

Ad

Ad