Canford Park Arena in Magna Road, Bournemouth is to be the venue for live theatre.

David Walliams, the bestselling children’s author and comedy actor has teamed up with Birmingham Stage Company and Coalition Agency for a new COVID-safe car park party production of Billionaire Boy. It will be staged at 2pm and 5pm on Wednesday 14 April.

Billionaire Boy started life as a David Walliams’ novel for children in 2010, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books. In 2016 it was adapted into a BBC production and has since become a firm Christmas television favourite.

It tells the story of Joe Spud, who is 12- years-old and the richest boy in the country. He has his own sports car, £100,000 a week pocket money and two crocodiles as pets. But what Joe doesn’t have is a friend. So he decides to leave his posh school and start at the local comprehensive. But things don’t go as planned for Joe and life becomes a rollercoaster as he tries to find the one thing money can’t buy.

David Walliams said, “I am delighted that families will have the opportunity to see some live theatre again. The show is hilarious and I hope spreads some happiness in these difficult times.”