A polite piglet with big dreams and a farm full of fascinating animals bring a heartwarming tale of friendship, adventure and bravery to the stage.

Adapted from Dick King-Smith’s much-loved children’s novel, which inspired the Oscar-winning 1995 film, Babe, The Sheep-Pig will feature puppetry, an original score and a "baa-ber sheep" quartet.

And playing the role of Babe is Oliver Grant, from Smeeth near Ashford, who went to St Edmund's School in Canterbury, before becoming a puppeteer, working on world famous productions including Stick Man and War Horse.

When Babe arrives at Hogget’s Farm he is taken in by the trusty sheepdog Fly, and soon discovers a talent for herding. With the help of his adopted Mum, the polite piglet soon wins over the most suspicious of sheep - but can a small pig make it in a dog’s world?

First published in 1983, The Sheep-Pig has been translated into 15 languages, and was adapted for the big screen as the film Babe in 1995.

Oliver said: “Everything I learnt from War Horse definitely applies to this. What’s great about this is that Babe is a completely new production.

“The kids have really been responding to it - what never really gets old is the story of someone being inspired to do something against all the odds and the joy that brings.”

The show has been adapted for the stage by Olivier Award-winning playwright David Wood OBE, best known for his adaptations of Goodnight Mister Tom, James and the Giant Peach, The BFG and The Tiger Who Came to Tea, and the animal puppets have been brought to life by award-winning puppet designer Max Humphries with direction from puppetry director Matthew Forbes.

The show, which is suitable for all ages, will be at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford, from Thursday, May 25 to Sunday, May 28. For tickets, visit orchardtheatre.co.uk

It will also be at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley from Sunday, June 25 to Wednesday, June 28. For tickets call 020 3285 6000 or go to churchilltheatre.co.uk