A POPULAR best-selling children's book was brought to life on stage in Basingstoke.

Youngsters watched in delight as various animals appeared in front of them at The Haymarket theatre in the adaption of the classic story Dear Zoo.

The lift-the-flap tale by Rod Campbell, which has sat on family bookshelves for more than 35 years, has been adapted for the theatre for the very first time, having brought joy to generations of young children since it was first published in 1982 and sold more than eight million copies worldwide.

Children joined best friends Ben and Sally as they searched for the perfect pet, watching in amazement as Sam the zookeeper turned up with a variety of animals in different sized boxes.

From an elephant, which was just too big, to a monkey, who was far too naughty, Ben ends up sending them all back.

Each animal adopted a different personality, and entertained the audience by singing silly songs, all composed especially for the show.

There was plenty of audience participation as families were asked to join in jumping up and down with the frog, or help to sing the scary snake back to sleep.

The team of three actors were a delight to watch, engaging with their young audience and keeping their attention throughout with big smiles and exaggerated expressions.

Although simple, the set perfectly suited the story, which stayed very true to the book.

Children giggled with joy when Ben and Sally were soaked with water by the naughty monkey, and for those who knew the story off-by-heart, there were shouts of which animal was about to be revealed next in each box.

Children sat mesmerised as a giraffe popped its head out of one box, and waited in anticipation to find out what was so dangerous it had to be locked up with bolts.

The 55-minute production was the ideal length for children, and there were smiles all round when Ben finally received his perfect pet - a cute puppy - at the end of the show.

The stage adaption, produced by Norwell Lapley Productions and directed by Michael Gattrell, is touring around the UK, with more than 70 dates.

Commenting on Dear Zoo Live on Stage, Mr 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.”