The thrilling adventure, adapted from Joan Aitken’s much-loved children’s classic, will get its amateur premiere at Progress Theatre.

Acting as a perfect antidote to the end of the panto season – the tale tells the story of orphan Sylvia and cousin Bonnie who must fight wolves, snowy wastelands and a very evil guardian to see their homes again.

The work was adapted by Russ Tunney and originally produced at the Nuffield Theatre in Southampton.

Director Rik Eke said: “Another member of the

theatre noticed a news item about Russ adapting the book. My wife is a huge fan of the books, and practically hit

me over the head with one of them until I agreed to follow up on the lead!

“Russ was incredibly generous, and offered to let me see an early draft of the script. I loved it, but had to wait for it to be officially published before pitching it to the theatre.

“We got in there as soon as the publishers announced the rights were available!”

The Wolves Of Willoughy Chase runs until Saturday, January 25. Tickets are £10 (£8 for concessions) from www.readingarts.com, 0118 960 6060 or at the Hexagon or Town Hall

See www.progresstheatre.co.uk for more information.