The puppeteers who helped bring War Horse to life are behind a new family-friendly play based on a 200-year-old legend.

The Hartlepool Monkey is the story of a ship wrecked off the Durham coast with just two survivors: the cabin girl and the ship’s mascot, a chimpanzee dressed in a miniature military-style uniform.

Terrified of French invasion and unfamiliar with what a Frenchman should look like, the locals put the monkey on trial as a spy with grisly consequences.

During the spy trial, the Hartlepool Monkey was (unsurprisingly) unable to answer any of the court’s questions and found guilty. The townsfolk then dragged him into the town square and hanged him.

The show comes to the Theatre Royal, Margate on Friday, November 10 and Saturday, November 11.

Suitable for ages 10 and over, tickets cost £15. To book visit theatreroyalmargate.com or call 01843 292795.