It's 30 years today since Postman Pat delivered his first letter – and now the animated children's television show is graduating to the big screen as Pat and his black and white cat Jess star in their own animated film.
Pat will be voiced by Episodes and Green Wing actor Stephen Mangan, while the cast also includes Jim Broadbent, Rupert Grint and David Tennant. Rather than just several hours of letter delivery, the storyline will focus on what happens when Pat enters a TV talent show that threatens to tear him away from village life in Greendale.
Postman Pat: The Movie – You Know You're the One begins production this month and is due for release in spring 2013.
Pat, Jess, postmistress Mrs Goggins and friends have captivated children across three decades – seeing off competition from more exotic and exciting children shows. According to Postman Pat creator John Cunliffe, who wrote the original two 13-episode series and several TV specials, the show's familiarity to everyday life plays a big part in its success.
"Children associate birthday presents, cards and nice things with a postman. They've all seen a red van going by. I think it's also something to do with the movement in the story, familiar characters and community spirit. It's a bit like a soap," he said.
There is truth in that: the characters, storylines and day-to-day life events surrounding those in Greendale feel as real and identifiable as those in any rural village found up and down the country. What's more, the characters and setting are so believable because they are inspired by Cunliffe's life: the people he met when he worked as a mobile librarian and lived in the valley of Longsleddale, where he began writing Postman Pat.
But while its appeal is largely ingrained in its familiarity and idyllic rural living, Postman Pat has also kept up with the times, with Pat's promotion to head of Special Delivery – on his CBeebies show he now has a whole fleet of vehicles including a motorbike, complete with sidecar for Jess and even a helicopter.
Pat shares his enduring popularity with contemporaries such as Thomas the Tank Engine, Noddy and three of Cunliffe's favourites – The Magic Roundabout, Clangers and The Wombles. All made comebacks in one form or another since their original runs – although none of them have been on our screens for as long as Postman Pat.
A familiar, friendly and loveable character better than any real postman thanks to his feline sidekick, Postman Pat still seems as enjoyable, identifiable and relevant in 2011 as it was in 1981. So happy 30th birthday Pat – there's no denying that you're a first-class act.
