Arena tour this Christmas

 Nigel Planer is to star in the first stage adaptation of David Walliams's children’s book Grandpa's Great Escape, when it tours arenas this Christmas.

The Young Ones star has previously appeared in stage shows including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Hairspray, Chicago, Wicked and We Will Rock You.

He said: 'It's a great honour to be asked to play Grandpa in the live version of this amazing and cockle-warming story by David Walliams. It's set to be such an amazing spectacular and I can't wait to drive a tank and fly a life-size Spitfire over audiences around the country!"

The live version of the book, which has sold more two million copies worldwide since it was published in September 2015, begins in Birmingham on December 23. It will then visit London, Sheffield, Nottingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow before culminating in Liverpool on January 4.

It was previously adapted for BBC One last Christmas and tells of a former World War II flying ace, to be played by Planer, and his grandson, Jack, plotting a daring escape from his old folks’ home.

Tickets for the show are available here.

NEWS JUST IN: the exhilarating number one best selling book GRANDPA'S GREAT ESCAPE by @davidwalliams is being adapted for the stage. This brand new arena spectacular will tour the UK this Christmas. The perfect treat for all the family! Tickets on sale NOW!

— Phil McIntyre Entertainments (@McIntyre_Ents) June 4, 2019

Published: 7 Jun 2019