Hippos enter the space race

​Youngsters can blast off into space — with two big hippos — when a new stage adaptation of David Walliams’ hit book, The First Hippo On The Moon, comes to Newark’s Palace Theatre on Saturday, June 10.

There are two performances of the show, which is suitable for those aged three and over, at 2pm and 4pm.

The comedy space adventure sees two huge hippos battle to be the first to reach the moon.

Will it be the super-rich Hercules Waldorf-Franklin III or the ingenious Sheila?

The show, created by Les Petits Theatre Company, features puppets and music.

The story was written by television star Walliams, who has already enjoyed literary success with Gangsta Granny, Demon Dentist and Billionaire Boy.

He 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.

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

“I think it is 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.”

'The best shows for children work for the grown-ups, too'

David said he was excited to work with Les Petits, having loved their work for many years.

“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,” he said.

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

Walliams has sold more than 12m copies of his books and his style has been compared to Roald Dahl, who he says is his absolute hero.

He also admires current children’s authors JK Rowling, Julia Donaldson and Jacqueline Wilson.

The Hippo On The Moon is not the first of David’s books to be adapted for the stage. Previous adaptations include Gangsta Granny and Mr Stink.

David said: “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.”

What message would he like families to take away from The First Hippo On The Moon?

“That whoever you are you should dream big, just like Sheila the hippo. Plus if you work together as a team, then you can achieve so much more.”