Award-winning author Julia Donaldson visited Warwick Castle last weekend to preview the brand new Zog Live Show, which is set to launch on 28 May, and to see the castle's 'Realm of Zog' playland.

Donaldson previewed elements of the upcoming show, which includes a script developed by her for Warwick Castle and is based on her first Zog book, which was illustrated by Axel Scheffler.

The best-selling author also explored the recently launched Zog Playland for the very first time, discovering first-hand how the Merlin Entertainments attraction, in partnership with brand owners Magic Light Pictures, has brought her characters to life.

Donaldson said: "It's just amazing seeing my characters brought to life like this. Of course, I have seen plays and films based on my book but this playground has so much attention to detail, down to Princess Pearl's box of soothing peppermints.

"Sometimes children get really into stories and obsessed with the characters and I think they love to be part of the story.

"You get children who really love a book and then they love to see it brought to life as a film, a play, a trail or a playground but then you get other children who aren't so well read particularly but they might have that interactive experience first and that can introduce them to reading so it can work both ways."

The staging for the Zog Live Show will also feature the original artwork by Axel Scheffler, illustrator of Zog and Zog & the Flying Doctors, creating a 30-minute open air performance.

The show is a faithful retelling of the Zog story featuring much-loved characters from the book, with live actors, puppets, special effects and music from the film.

The purpose-built stage will be set against the woodland backdrop of the pageant field.

Wheelchair accessible seating will be available and screens featuring Makaton sign language will accompany each show.

Donaldson added: "I have seen quite a few plays based on my books but I am very excited that this one is set with the wonderful background of the castle because, of course, the Zog story features a castle, a knight and a princess.

"As someone who has a hearing problem myself, I am really pleased that it will have a Makaton screen so that children who have language difficulties or are deaf or hard of hearing can enjoy the stories.

"I've still got really vivid memories of my own first trip to the theatre, a more conventional theatre in London, and those memories of going to see a play stay with a child for life because they really believe it is real, for a child it just captures their imagination."

For more information and to book, head to www.warwick-castle.com/Zog