DELIGHTED schoolchildren lapped up an interactive adaptation of a wacky book which brings monsters to life.

Pupils from across Furness gathered in Barrow library to watch family theatre show, Do not enter the monster zoo.

This new adaptation of the picture book written by Amy Sparkes and illustrated by Sara Ogilvie was a special commission by New Writing North, and brought to life by Dalton's very own Ruth Johnson who directed it.

Librarian Jane McFie watched the performances and was thrilled with the reaction.

She said: "I enjoyed watching the children, they were totally wrapped up in it and it was great to see.

"We are hoping that we can get more funding for projects like this as its great for them.

"People said it was absolutely fantastic and loved that they had the chance to get involved.

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"We saw children who were quite shy coming in, becoming lively and happy to have their pictures taken with the cast."

More than 150 children were entertained with the interactive performance whose cast frequently got the children involved by dancing and singing along.

Mrs McFie added: "Ruth Johnson, the director is from Dalton, so I think it was quite emotional for her to do this on her home soil, and her family were there watching too."

Primarily for children under seven and their families, Do Not Enter the Monster Zoo was described by New Writing North as "a playful tale that little monsters are sure to fall in love with".

In the story, the hero, Joey, receives an invitation to run a zoo for the day.

But when he arrives it’s unlike any zoo ever encountered.

The zoo is a mess, the creatures are all misbehaving and the zookeeper can’t wait to get out of there.

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Cast members use this theme to call upon the children in the audience to help out, in a tale which helps youngsters discover what confidence is.

In a previous interview with Cumbria Live, Ruth Johnson said: "I am thrilled and beyond excited to be taking our monsters out on the road.

"Amy Sparkes and Sara Ogilvie's book is so full of fun and chaos and we have a brilliant team to bring this to life."

Anna Disley, executive director at New Writing North, is producing Do Not Enter the Monster Zoo."

The show visited Whitehaven Archive and Local Studies Centre on Tuesday 26, Barrow Library on Wednesday 27, and Carlisle Library on Thursday 28.

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