A NEW stage production about a singing cat is coming to Reading based on a book written by the author of The Gruffalo.

The stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s book, Tabby McTat, will be playing at Reading’s Hexagon next weekend on October 5 and 6.

Freckle Productions will bring the purr-fect family treat to the stage for four performances only.

Tabby McTat is a busker’s cat with the loudest of meows.

He sings all day long with his best friend Fred, until one day they get separated.

Tabby finds shelter and a new life with all the home comforts a cat could dream of, but he soon misses his old friend. Will they ever find each other?

Brought to life on stage with original songs and Freckle’s distinctive style, Tabby McTat is a heart-warming story of friendship and loyalty suitable for all ages.

Author Julia Donaldson is best known for her popular rhyming stories for children, especially those illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

She is a multi award-winning author of some of the world’s best loved children’s books, most notably the modern classic The Gruffalo which has sold over 13 million copies worldwide.

An avid reader as a child, Julia knew from a very young age that she wanted to tell stories – and share them with other people.

Julia saw her first book A Squash and a Squeeze published when she was in her mid 40s and has been a prolific writer since, publishing well over 100 books as well as plays, songs, musicals and poems. While all families will have their firm favourites, best-sellers have included Zog, The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child.

Julia was the Children’s Laureate from 2011-2013, and continues to be a passionate advocate for children’s fiction and theatre.

For more information and to buy tickets, go to www.readingarts.com/hexagon.