THE Watermill’s new production A Little History of the World arrives at the venue next week.

Banned by the Nazis and written in just six weeks, the piece was published in Germany in 1936.

Its author E. H. Gombrich set himself to the task of writing a chapter a day, with the exception of Sundays, when he would read aloud to Ilse Heller, who later became his wife.

Born in Vienna, Gombrich fled to London in 1939 and during World War II, he worked for the BBC World Service and broke the news of Hitler’s death to Churchill.

This production, created in collaboration with Reading Rep, will take audiences on a fun-filled trip through time from the Big Bang to the present day, discovering the extraordinary achievements of mankind and its frailties along the way.

Audiences in sixteen village halls and small local venues in West Berkshire and the surrounding area have been the first to see the world premiere of a play based on the international bestseller A Little History of The World by E. H. Gombrich.

Three actors will recreate great moments in our history, colourful, historical figures, introduce fabulous works of art and ground-breaking scientific discoveries.

Adapted by Toby Hulse, A Little History of The World runs at Bagnor’s Watermill from July 14 to 25.

The cast features Alasdair Buchan as Ernst, Richard Ede as Otto and Jess Mabel Jones as Ilse.

Box office: watermill.org.uk, 01635 46044

*A Little History of The World is also touring the region until July 12 ahead of its main run.

It comes to Chilbolton Village Hall in Stockbridge on Saturday, July 11 at 7.30pm for a performance presented by Winchester Science Centre.