A STORY based on a best-selling book that will explore the theme of friendship and overcoming the fear of not being very good at something is heading to Basingstoke.

Zog is roaring onto The Haymarket stage from May 25 to 28. This delightful show is based on the book by Julia Donaldson with illustrations by Axel Scheffler.

The story is one of the best-loved creations of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the UK’s number-one picture book pair behind many modern classics, including The Gruffalo, published in 75 languages. Together their books have sold over 75 million copies.

This magical production is perfectly suited to youngsters and is a great introduction to theatre. This tale is not only an exciting, colourful production but one that will help children explore acceptance, love and kindness.

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Large in size and keen in nature, Zog is eager to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school, where dragons learn all the things that dragons need to know. Zog tries hard, perhaps too hard, and he bumps, burns and roars his way through years one, two and three. Luckily, the plucky Princess Pearl patches him up, ready to face his biggest challenge yeT,  a duel with knight Sir Gadabout the Great

On Christmas Day 2018, Magic Light Pictures premiered an animated film of Zog on BBC One featuring an all-star cast including Sir Lenny Henry and Rob Brydon.

It is adapted for the stage by Freckle Productions, pioneers in imaginative storytelling for children. They are best known for their adaptations of classic Julia Donaldson titles including Stick Man, Tiddler and other Terrific Tales and Zog and the Flying Doctors.

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The cast brings the world of Zog to life with handcrafted puppets designed and created by Little Angel Theatre co-founder Lyndie Wright.

Zog is adapted and directed by Emma Kilbey with lively songs by Joe Stilgoe. It is designed by Katie Sykes with lighting design by Ric Mountjoy, puppetry design by Lyndie Wright, orchestrations by Paul Herbert and musical direction by Bobby Delaney.

For more information and visit anvilarts.org.uk.