A HANDFUL of theatrical world premieres have found their way into the county already this year and now another is set to make its mark.

This time it’s a stage adaptation of David Walliams’ The First Hippo on the Moon which will be at Malvern’s Forum Theatre for two days next month - on Monday and Tuesday, March 6 and 7.


This Les Petits Theatre Company production has been adapted for the stage by Les Enfants Terribles and Les Petits’ artistic director Oliver Lansley whose recent adaptations have included the immersive dining experience Dinner at the Twits and Alice’s Adventure’s Underground.

The puppets for The First Hippo on the Moon have been created by Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell who have previously collaborated on War Horse and The Lorax.

The First Hippo on the Moon is suitable for children aged three and ups and the cast includes Dominic Allen, Alice Bounce, Caroline Bowman, Owen Jenkins and Rosie Nicholls.

Based on 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.

Walliams has taken the literary world by storm in recent years and his brilliantly funny stories are adored by children the world over. He has achieved unprecedented critical acclaim and quickly developed a reputation as a natural successor to Roald Dahl.

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 was recently touring.