With his red bow tie and tall stripy hat, few children’s book characters are as iconic as the Cat in the Hat. Written in 1957 by Dr Seuss (aka American writer Theodor Geisel), the story is precious to generations of readers – requiring a sensitivity on the part of those adapting it for the stage.

‘The zany world of Dr Seuss is as precious to the entire team and myself as it is for the fans (young and old) across the world,’ says director Paul Taylor-Mills. ‘We have been extremely loyal in the aesthetic of the design so that it truly does feel like the book has come to life on stage. Where we have made it fresh and new, is in the engagement with our audiences.

Geisel’s original book was specially commissioned to provide a fun and engaging way for children to learn to read. And the producers see this stage version as playing a similar role – only this time, the aim is to fire up a passion for the theatre.

‘There is a pressure on us to make sure young people want to come back to the theatre forever and we certainly hope we succeed,’ says Taylor-Mills. ‘Our vision for the show was that it had to be a relaxed performance where children are able to talk, come in and out of the auditorium, play with the balls and pop the bubbles. The only thing they’re not allowed to do is touch the Cat in the Hat's tail, as he gets very angry.

Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 2–25 Aug (not 11), 12.05pm, £9--£11 (£7.50--£9.50), 6, 13, 20 Aug, 1.05pm, £10 (£8.50). Previews 30 Jul--1 Aug, £6.

The Cat In The Hat