Pippi Longstocking musical to premiere at Royal and Derngate in Northampton

A musical version of Pippi Longstocking will have its world premiere at Northampton's Royal and Derngate in December 2019.

Adapted for the stage by Mike Akers with music by Stu Barker, the musical is based on Astrid Lindgren's much-loved collection of books about the nine year-old Pippi, the strongest girl in the world who embarks on a series of adventures.

The production will run from 10 to 31 December in Northampton, with direction by The Wardrobe Ensemble's Jesse Jones and Helena Middleton, who directed the award-winning Education, Education Education at the same venue in 2017.

Swedish author Lindgren published three Pippi Longstocking novels between 1945 and 1948, with the collection having been adapted a number of times into films and television series across the world.

Akers' credits include Jane Eyre at the Bristol Old Vic and the National Theatre, while Barker has previously composed music for West End shows including Brief Encounter and The Red Shoes.

Casting for the production is to be announced.