Illustrious musical trio David Arnold, Don Black and Robbie Williams team up for original theme song for The Tiger Who Came to Tea

A glittering trio of British musical talent has collaborated on the theme song for Channel 4’s much-anticipated adaptation of Judith Kerr’s classic storybook The Tiger Who Came to Tea (HarperCollins Children’s Books). Multi award-winning composer David Arnold and Oscar-winning lyricist Don Black have penned infectiously catchy tune ‘Hey Tiger!’, which has been recorded for the film by much loved singer-songwriter and entertainer Robbie Williams.

‘Hey Tiger!’ will play over a visually ambitious animated fantasy segment featuring the tiger in a range of never-before-seen locations, imagined from the point of view of Sophie, the little girl who receives an unexpected visit from the tiger.

The music for ‘Hey Tiger!’ and the original score for The Tiger Who Came to Tea, based on the best-selling book by Judith Kerr, have been composed by multi-award-winning composer David Arnold who, among his many credits, has scored five James Bond films and a plethora of films and television shows, including Sherlock. The song’s lyrics have been composed by Oscar-winning lyricist and BBC R2 DJ Don Black, who incidentally has also provided lyrics for five James Bond films, as well as a number of classic hits, including ‘Born Free’ which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1966. Robbie Williams performs the song with trademark style and personality. The 18-times Brit Award winner and the UK’s best-selling solo artist, Robbie has hit No. 1 with seven singles and 10 albums, including two swing-influenced releases. The score was recorded and mixed at Air Studios.

Speaking at Sleeper Sounds where the song was recorded, Robbie Williams, who is a father of three, said: “This book has played a big part in me bonding with my kids. I’ve read it possibly 150 times to my first daughter, Teddy, and she is the reason I’m singing the song – I’m honouring those moments with her. She loved the book and I got a real heart-warming kick reading a line and her finishing it, so it will be forever in my heart. Plus I’m a massive fan of Don Black and it’s an honour to be singing the words he’s written. The song reflects the tiger’s wonderful, magical and mischievous character – it’s whimsical and just what a song should be in this film.”