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

David Walliams’ children’s book The First Hippo on the Moon has been adapted for the stage, and comes to three Kent theatres as part of a national tour.

Les Petits Theatre Company, who brought Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs to the county last year, will be visiting a total of 30 venues with the story, brought to the stage with puppetry, music and mayhem.

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

The Britain’s Got Talent judge, comedian and actor’s books have been critically acclaimed and bestselling.

They have been translated into more than 45 languages, and sold more than 9.5 million copies in the UK alone.

One of his most successful titles, Gangsta Granny, was adapted for the stage by Birmingham Stage Company and also visited the county in 2015, in a show featuring young Gravesend actor Ashley Cousins.

We caught up with David to find out more about the new production and his best-selling books.

Where did the idea for the First Hippo on the Moon come from?

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.

What drew you to working with Les Petits Theatre Company/Les Enfants Terribles for this project?

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 they are the perfect choice of theatre company to bring that out as their shows are so irreverent and funny. The best shows for children work for grown-ups too, and I am sure this one will.

How does it feel when you see your characters come to life on stage?

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 liked working with other people. Ultimately, you feel like a magician when something that was in your head becomes real.

If families were to take one message away from the First Hippo on the Moon, what would it be?

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.

Which other children’s writers do you love?

There are so many great writers for children right now. My favourites are JK Rowling, Julia Donaldson, Jacqueline Wilson and Michael Morpurgo. When I was 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 else.

What advice would you give young writers?

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 people want to read, so write something for yourself. If other people like it that’s a bonus.

If, like Shelia, you could go anywhere in space where would it be and why?

I would like to go to Mars. You can forget the books and the comedy shows; I feel I would definitely be remembered if I was the first person to go there!

SHOW DETAILS

The First Hippo on the Moon will be at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford from Sunday, January 29, to Wednesday, February 1.

For tickets at £18.50 and £16.50 for under-16s, visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call 01322 220000.

It will also be at the Woodville, Gravesend, on Wednesday, April 12. For tickets from £14.50, visit woodville.seatlive.com

From Tuesday, May 2 to Saturday, May 6, it will be at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley. For tickets at £19.50 and £14.50 for under-16s, visit churchilltheatre.co.uk or call 020 3285 6000.