HE is one half of a much-loved comedy duo who have brought smiles to millions of people.

And his books light up the imagination of children across the UK and the world.

Now the premiere of a stage adaptation of one of David Walliams’s hugely successful novels will come to Romsey in an open-air performance.

After the rousing success of their 2015 production of Mr Stink, Heartbreak Productions will perform a stage the adaptationadaption of his bestseller Ratburger for the first time.

It will be held in the grounds of Test Valley’s historic Mottisfont Abbey on Wednesday, August 10.

The play tells the story of a young girl called Zoe desperate to break away from her horrible and lazy stepmother.

But she is set upon by a sinister neighbour who is determined to have her pet rat for his burger shop.

Heartbreak Productions, a touring company that produces outdoor theatre across the UK, will be mounting the first stage adaptation outside in the grounds of the main house.

Children can enjoy an afternoon of fun from 2pm to 4pm before it heads out to venues across the country.

Their production of Mr StinkMr Stink in 2015 played to sold-out audiences across the UK, in all types of weather, and Mr Walliams attended a performance so hopes are high he will be heading to Hampshire.

Chief executive of Heartbreak Productions, Maddy Kerr, said: “We are thrilled that David Walliams has agreed for us to tour the theatrical premiere of “Ratburger”“Ratburger” for 2016.

“It’s a fitting tribute to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Heartbreak’s and we hope that first time audiences from “Mr Stink”“Mr Stink” will return for another exhilarating experience of Walliams’ mischievous humour and uplifting storytelling.”

Mr Walliams shot to fame in 2003 when he first appeared alongside Matt Lucas in Little BritainLittle Britain.

A slideshow of comedy character sketches, the show’s arguably best known routine was Lou and Andy.

After the success of the show he went on to write several books, including The World’s Worst ChildrenThe World’s Worst Children which was released earlier this year.

A judge on the hit TV programme Britain’s Got TalentBritain’s Got Talent along side SimonSion Cowell, Alisha Dixon and Amanda Holden, his books have been translated into 46 different languages and have picked up a glut of awards.

Released in 2012 RatburgerRatburger won the Specsavers National Book Awards Children’s Book of the Year in December of that year.

Suitable for children aged seven tickets (adults £16, children £8, plus a 5 per cent booking fee) are available from 0844 249 1895.