Well-renowned British actor Richard E. Grant has provided a voice for upcoming animated feature film Zambezia. He plays the role of Cecil, a Marabou who schemes of taking control of the bird city. 

Richard is no stranger to animation, having lent his voice talent to Tim Burton's Corpse Bride, Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties, and the upcoming Jackboots on Whitehall alongside Ewan McGregor and Rosamund Pike.

Rising to fame with his film debut Withnail and I, Richard has since gone on to star in a number of films (including Oscar-winners Gosford Park and Age of Innocence). More recently he wrote and directed his biographical story Wah-Wah. 

“Richard really raises the bar for vocal performance in this movie,” says director Wayne Thornley. “It was a real pleasure working with somone of that caliber and it is exciting for us all.” 

Amongst the rest of the cast signing up  are a host of local celebs – actors, comedians and singers including Lali Dangazele, David Dennis, Lee Duru, Keeno Lee-Hector, Zolani Mahola, Khanya Mkangisa, Nik Rabinowitz, Leeanda Reddy, Brent Palmer, Tema Sebopedi, and Royston Stoffels.

The cast worked with dialogue coach Fiona Ramsay who brought a cohesive sound to the characters and to ensure that the African accents are clear enough to the international market. 

Recording takes place over the first two weeks of February and then it's time for the lengthy process of animation. Zambezia is due for 3D release early 2011.