THE magical tale Stardust is being taken to the stage for the first time in the UK by Ringwood-based thespians Forest Forge.

The rights to adapt Neil Gaiman’s classic Stardust were secured by the Forest Forge Theatre Company who entrusted Russ Tunney with the task.

Mr Tunney said: “Those that know Neil Gaiman’s work will know how he spins magic and gold with words. For those who don’t, expect to come out of the theatre believing in unicorns, witches and zombie trees and ultimately love.

“Stardust is one of those special stories, like A Christmas Carol, that thrills you with danger and inspires you with hope at the same time. And if all this sounds like it is only suitable for children, think again.

“There is so much in the story for adults, humour, and beautiful haunting stories. Stardust, like all of Gaiman’s work, echoes with fragments of fables and myths.

“Add in the usual Forest Forge rapid costume changes and musical dexterity and I imagine we will have a gorgeous winter treat.”

Stardust, which was published in 1999, was famously made into a film starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes and Robert De Niro in 2007.

Artistic director of the Forest Forge Kirstie Davis said: “Stardust has long been one of my favourite books – I love the epic storytelling, the fantastical worlds that we also completely believe in and recognise, and the wit as well as the emotion.

“So we were so excited when Neil Gaiman gave us permission to adapt it for the first time for the stage. Russ Tunney who is adapting it has done a wonderful job which is faithful to the book, but also enables us to create this world with four actors and lots of puppets.

“I hope that the audience enjoy the magical roller coaster ride that is Stardust as it is a real fight between good and evil and also the search for true love.”

Stardust follows the adventures of a young man from the village of Wall, which borders the magical land of Faerie, who has lost his heart to the hauntingly beautiful Victoria Forester.

In the dead of night a shooting star falls and sends him on the adventure of a lifetime, battling witches and sorcery to find his true heart’s desire.

Stardust tours throughout December and January. For more information, visit forestforge.co.uk.