Self Esteem, David Arnold and Don Black write theme for Channel 4’s Mog’s Bad Thing

David Arnold and Don Black are teaming up with Rebecca Lucy Taylor, better known as Self Esteem, on Channel 4's Mog's Bad Thing.

Channel 4 has confirmed the trio will write the theme song for Lupus Films' latest hand-drawn adaptation of Judith Kerr's picture book classic.

The Christmas special previews at Manchester Animation Festival next week.

“I love Mog’s world. I think we’d all like to live there if we could,” said Arnold, who has scored five James Bond films and Sherlock.

“Luckily those very clever people at Lupus Films have made another beautiful film of a very well-loved book and have asked me back to write the music and song for it, alongside my friend the great lyricist Don Black and the glorious and brilliant Self Esteem. It’s such a joy to be back with them all, it’s where I belong.”

The song, I Wish That Things Could be That Way Again, is described as wistful. It follows Mog's dream as she drifts off to sleep in the attic after doing a “bad thing”.

The songwriters

Oscar winner Black has also written lyrics for five James Bond films and a string of hits, among them Born Free, winner of the 1966 Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Sheffield's Taylor has won an Ivor Novello Visionary Award, been shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and earned a BRIT Awards nomination for Best Artist.

Her stage work includes David Hare's Teeth 'n' Smiles, and she played Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, which has won multiple Olivier Awards.

“I’m delighted to be part of Mog’s Bad Thing. It’s been such a joy recording the theme song and working alongside David Arnold and Don Black. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!” she said.

The cast

Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton) returns as the Narrator, with Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange) as Mr Thomas, Claire Foy (The Crown) as Mrs Thomas, Amelie Law (Mog's Christmas) as Debbie and Teddy Skelton (Mog's Christmas) as Nicky.

New to the cast for the special are John Thomson (Break Clause) as Mr Bunce, Katherine Parkinson (Rivals) as Mrs Ramsbottom, Mawaan Rizwan (Juice) as Ali and Amelia Theodorou (Mog's Bad Thing) as Amy.

Ruth Fielding and Camilla Deakin produce for Lupus Films (Kensuke's Kingdom, The Snowman and The Snowdog). Joanna Harrison (We're Going on a Bear Hunt) wrote the script and Robin Shaw (The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Mog's Christmas) directs.