Author Rod Campbell’s best-selling classic lift-the-flap book, Dear Zoo, is being brought to life for the very first time in 2018 as a brilliant new stage production and visits Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre in May as part of a U.K. tour.

Dear Zoo has delighted generations of young readers since it was first published in 1982 selling more than 8 million copies worldwide.

The new stage production will open on Wednesday 7th February at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn; with more than 72 scheduled dates around the U.K. it comes to the Hanover Street venue on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th May.

Celebrating 35 years in 2017, Dear Zoo, published by Macmillan Children’s Books, the story of a child who writes to the zoo asking them to send a pet, continues to delight each new generation of children.

Written by Rod Campbell, produced by Norwell Lapley Productions and directed by Michael Gattrell, Dear Zoo Live on Stage is suitable for children aged 2 – 6 years.

Brought to life through child-engaging puppets, original music and lots of audience interaction, it will immediately appeal to families and children who already love the book, and will serve as a wonderful introduction to those coming to the story for the first time.

Rod Campbell is the master of interactive storytelling and an expert in early learning for pre-schoolers. As a trusted household name, his books have stood the test of time and continue to be a staple addition to the family bookshelf and a popular choice for early years’ teachers. The creator of more than 200 books for children, Rod Campbell’s unique ability to be both fun and reassuring encourages children to discover and delight in the world around them.

Commenting on Dear Zoo Live on Stage Rod Campbell said “I can hardly believe that Dear Zoo is celebrating its 35th anniversary! I really am enormously touched and delighted that successive generations of young children continue to love Dear Zoo – their obvious pleasure when interacting with it is so gratifying to see, and for me is the very greatest of compliments!”

Theatre Manager Rebekah Pichilingi added, “I’m sure this classic book is held dear by so many hearts and will have been passed down throughout family generations in the last 35 years. We are all very excited to see it come to life in this new production and look forward to welcoming Dear Zoo to the Epstein Theatre audiences next year.”

To book tickets please call 0844 888 4411* or go online at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk * or in person at The Epstein Theatre Box Office from 2pm – 6pm Monday – Thursday and 12pm-6pm Friday – Saturday.

*Subject to booking fee. All prices include a £1 per ticket venue restoration levy.