DAVID Walliams is something of a comic legend, with programmes such as Little Britain and Come Fly With Me under his belt, not to mention a successful stint on Britain's Got Talent and a whole heap of other projects.

And now he's taking the literary world by storm with his stories for children, achieving critical acclaim from all across the globe.

His books have been translated into over 45 languages and sold over 9.5 million copies in the UK alone.

One of his most successful titles Gangsta Granny was adapted for the stage in November 2015 by Birmingham Stage Company.

And' he's now enjoying success with his latest book, The First Hippo on the Moon.

The story is an explosively funny space adventure for children aged three and above and follows two big hippos and their one enormous dream of making it to the moon.

The book has been adapted for the stage and will be visiting the McMillan Theatre in Bridgwater.

But where did the idea for the book come from?

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

The book has been adapted into a play by the acclaimed award-winning Theatre company Les Petits, hot off the heals of their successful Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs tour.

The creative team has worked on such hit shows such as Dr Seuss’ The Lorax, The Nationals’ Elephantom, Warhorse and Raymond Briggs’ The Bear.

And it's for these reasons, Walliams was keen to work with them on the adaptation.

He adds: "I have loved their work for many years so jumped at the chance to work with them.

"I love great children’s theatre shows, especially now I am a father, so am very excited to see this one.

"The book is full of humour and I know that are the perfect choice of theatre company to bring that out as there shows are so irreverent and funny.

"The best shows for children work for the grown-ups too, and I am sure this one will."

This isn't the first stage adaptation of his either, as well as TV film adaptations of his books including The Boy In The Dress and Mr Stink, one of his most successful titles Gangsta Granny was adapted for the stage in November 2015 by Birmingham Stage Company.

Williams said seeing his characters come to like in the theatre makes him feel like a magician.

He added: "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.

"There are so many great writers for children right now.

"My personal favourites right now are JK Rowling, Julia Donaldson, Dame Jacqueline Wilson and Michael Morpurgo.

"When I a young child I loved Richard Scarry and Dr Seuss. My absolute hero is Roald Dahl. He is the greatest children’s writer of all time as he wrote so many brilliant books.

"I tend to be influenced by everything good I read, though it is pointless trying to copy anybody."

The First Hippo on the Moon will be coming to the McMillan Theatre on Saturday, January 28 at 2pm.

The cast for The First Hippo on the Moon includes Dominic Allen, Alice Bounce, Caroline Bowman, Owen Jenkins and Rosie Nicholls.

Les Petits was set up as the sister company to Les Enfants Terribles whose work includes Dinner at the Twits, The Game’s Afoot, The Trench, The Vaudevillains and Olivier nominated Alice’s Adventures Underground.

Tickets cost £12 for adults and £10 for those under 16.

And they can be booked by calling the box office on 01278 556677 or by visiting mcmillantheatre.com.