Dear Zoo

Dear Zoo comes to the Redgrave Theatre in Clifton over the half-term break, with five performances running from Wednesday 28 October to Friday 30 October. It's Rod Campbell's own stage adaptation of his children's classic, the story of a child who writes to the zoo asking them to send a pet.

Campbell brought the book to the stage himself, and he's a master of interactive storytelling with a real focus on early learning for pre-schoolers. The production leans on child-engaging puppets, music and plenty of audience interaction to let the book leap onto the stage. It's a story most of us will recognise from the page, and seeing it played out with puppets and music gives it a different kind of life. Campbell has written more than 200 books for children and celebrated 35 years of work in 2017, and his writing continues to be a staple for early years' teachers.

The show is suitable for all and recommended for ages 3 and over. Under-18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and children under 24 months need a ticket, though a free 'Lap Seat' is available. It runs for 55 minutes with no interval, so it's a manageable length for little ones.

There are five slots to choose from: Wednesday 28 October at 1:30pm, Thursday 29 October at 11am and 2pm, and Friday 30 October at 11am and 2pm. Tickets are £16.80 for adults, £14.80 for children, and there's a family ticket for two adults and two children at £58.20. You'll find the theatre on Percival Road in Clifton, BS8 3LE.