MUCH loved children's story Stig of the Dump, is being brought to Southend by four time Olivier award nominee, director Luke Sheppard.

Produced by the London Theatre Company - the group who did the 2015 Danny The Champion of the World tour - the show combines acting, singing, dance and puppetry to tell the story of Stig and Barney's adventures.

The story was first published in 1963 as a children's novel written by Clive King and illustrated by Edward Ardizzone.

With "much audience interaction" promised, this production is aimed at children over the age of four. Expect to be joining in with the songs and dance routines.

The story is set around Barney who is staying with his grandparents on the chalk Downs of southern England when he falls over the edge of an old chalk pit and tumbles through the roof of a hidden den. When he looks round he sees Stig, a caveman, with shaggy black hair and bright black eyes. The chalk pit is disused and full of people's dumped rubbish, which Stig uses to make his home.

Barney and Stig get on rather well together. They have to manage without language, as Stig speaks no English, but that doesn't seem to stop them. Stig becomes Barney's secret friend, not because Barney doesn't tell anyone, but because no one believes that Stig is real. They have a great time, improving Stig's den, collecting firewood, going hunting, and even catching some burglars who break into Barney's grandparents' house.

Stig of the Dump takes place at the Palace Theatre, London Road, Westcliff, on Saturday April 30 at 1:30pm and 4pm.

Tickets are £12 or £44 for a family ticket, available from southendtheatres.org.uk