Mr Stink coming to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Having caught a preview of David Walliams' stage play, Mr Stink, reviewer

smells a real hit as it heads to Wolverhampton Grand.

Based on the hilarious story by Little Britain comedian David Walliams, this musical adaptation of Mr Stink literally wafts its way into Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Wednesday, October 19, 2011, until Sunday, October 23.

The title character is the local tramp, who befriends 12-year-old Chloe when she has had a bad time at school and is struggling to fit in with her family.

He's a bit smelly, but he is her only friend and so when Mr Stink needs help, Chloe finds him a hiding place, much to the despair of her snooty mother who is running as a local MP.

As their friendship grows, so does Chloe's confidence, but is Mr Stink all he seems?

As you would expect from its author, the show is full of wicked toilet humour, with plenty of references to bodily functions, which the under tens will adore and best of all, there are "scratch and Sniff" booklets issued at every performance, so that the whole audience (yes, you too mums and dads!) can really feel part of the show and experience the whiffs and smells of everything from Christmas to sweaty socks.

There are puppets too, in the form of Mr Stink's dog, The Duchess, and the family cat, Elizabeth.

Seasoned West End performer Peter Edbrook takes the title role.

"I have played the Grand Theatre before with several large touring musicals and have very fond memories of the venue," said Peter.

"Mr Stink works on so many different levels. It is a unique family experience, not just a children's story. He has a secret that no one knows about until the very end of the story.

"Chloe befriends him, overcomes the smell and helps him and in turn he helps her. He is a Mary Poppins character. He is Father Christmas really, I always think of him like that."

Irvine Iqbal takes several parts in the show, including Raj the local newsagent.

"Raj is the wise man," said Irvine. "Chloe seeks solace in his shop and often asks his advice."

The scratch and sniff aspect of Mr Stink has been a hit with not only the kids, but adults too. "You can see mums and dads pretending not to sniff the booklet, but then they do," said Irvine.

"It really is a well-constructed, very modern story."

Walliams has been very involved in rehearsals and has also actively re-written parts of the show to ensure it remains contemporary and up to date.

He said: "When I started writing children's books, I was aware that loads of kids loved Little Britain, but a lot of it was quite rude for them. So it's great to do something specifically for children where parents don't have to worry that it might be too rude or be embarrassed to watch with their children.

"It's lovely to have a show that the whole family can enjoy together."

All in all Mr Stink is a fabulous family theatrical experience with a Dahlian feel to it, an enchanting moral storyline, simple but effective sing-a-long tunes and plenty of visual effects and comedy, not to mention smells to die for!

Tickets cost £9.50-£20.50 - call 01902 429212 or visit www.grandtheatre.info