Come face-to-face with a life-sized Bengal tiger in the mesmerising stage adaptation of Life of Pi.

The breathtaking show, based on Yann Martel’s best-selling novel, is currently roaring its way into theatres across the country on its first UK tour - including six nights in Canterbury.

The production, which won an impressive five Olivier Awards last year including Best New Play and Best Set Design, is coming to Kent direct from London’s West End.

Based on the 2001 novel, which has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, the show follows a teenage boy who is the sole human survivor of a shipwreck in the Pacific Ocean.

When Pi Patel is stranded aboard a lifeboat, he is left only with a hyena, zebra, orangutang and 450-pound tiger for company.

The book was adapted into a blockbuster film in 2012, starring Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan and Rafe Spall.

The film, directed by Ang Lee, was nominated for 11 Oscars and won Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects and Best Original Score.

The latest live adaptation includes show-stopping puppetry by Finn Caldwell, the Puppet and Movement Director known for their work on War Horse and various National Theatre productions.

The animals, including the large Bengal tiger, will be depicted by these life-like puppets throughout the play.

Life of Pi will be at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from Monday, October 23 to Saturday, October 28. You can book tickets online here.

You can also book tickets by calling 01227 787787.