CHILDREN'S favourite Stig of the Dump will be performed at Helmsley Arts Centre on Thursday, June 2, at 6pm.

Barney is staying with his grandparents on the chalk Downs of southern England when he falls over the edge of an old chalk pit and tumbles through the roof of a hidden den.

When he looks round he sees Stig, a caveman, with shaggy black hair and bright black eyes. The chalk pit is disused and full of people's dumped rubbish, which Stig uses to make his home.

Barney and Stig get on rather well together. They have to manage without language, as Stig speaks no English, but that doesn't seem to stop them. Stig becomes Barney's secret friend, not because Barney doesn't tell anyone, but because no one believes that Stig is real. They have a great time, improving Stig's den, collecting firewood, going hunting, and even catching some burglars who break into Barney's grandparents' house.

It is nearly 50 years since Stig and Barney’s adventures first saw the light of day but this timeless children’s classic remains as charming and entertaining as ever.

Established by Jonathan Ashby-Rock and Philip Ryder in 2012 with an aim to bring classic theatre to a contemporary audience, London Contemporary Theatre is committed to creating exciting, fast-paced Theatre and Radio Theatre. Using live original music the company strives to thoroughly engage audience members with exciting and evocative theatre.

Director Luke Sheppard said: “I loved this book as a child, I am delighted to be bringing it to life on stage.”

For tickets phone the box office on 01439 771700 or online at helmsleyarts.co.uk