FROM Number One Bestselling Children’s author David Walliams comes an explosively funny live theatre space adventure for children of 3 and up.

Two big hippos. One ENORMOUS dream. Who can make it to the moon first?

3 ...2 ...1 ...BLAST OFF!

Based on David Walliams’ original children’s book with illustrations by Tony Ross, The First Hippo on the Moon is an explosively funny space adventure which sees the enormously rich Hercules Waldorf-Franklin III and ingenious Shelia compete to be the first hippo to make it to the moon.

Speaking about the idea for the book, David said: “I have always been fascinated with the space race of the 1960s and wanted to do a spoof on that. I like the idea of hippos going to the moon as they are the animals least likely to.

Somerset County Gazette:

"It’s a very visual book, with amazing illustrations by Tony Ross, so it should be a very colourful stage production.

"I love seeing adaptations of my books, and really enjoy the changes.

“I come from writing for television, which is very collaborative, and have always like working with other people.

Ultimately, you feel like a magician when something that was in your head becomes real.”

And what advice would David give young writers inspired to pick up a pen to create their own story, He said: “I think it’s important you write a story you would like to read.

"If you like funny stories, write a funny story; if you like scary ones, write a scary one.

You can never guess what it is people want to read, so it is best you write something for yourself.

If other people like it, that’s a bonus. “ This production has been adapted by acclaimed awardwinning Theatre company Les Petits. They have worked on shows such as Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, The Nationals’ Elephantom, War Horse and Raymond Briggs’ The Bear.

First Hippo on the Moon comes to The Brewhouse on July 2, at 3.30pm, for a oneoff performance. Tickets cost £10/£36 family.

To buy tickets online at thebrewhouse.net or call the box office on 01823-283244.