A STAGE version of a much-loved Roald Dahl book comes to Lydiard Park tomorrow.

As millions of the late author’s fans know, The Twits is about Mr and Mrs Twit, one of the nastiest and most ill-tempered couples ever to emerge from his imagination.

Mr Twit likes to let his long beard to serve as a larder for remnants of meals, which he later searches out and savours, and he and his wife take great pleasure in being horribly cruel to their pet monkeys. They also take nearly as much pleasure in being horrible to each other.

But what the Twits don’t know is that their monkeys have friends in high places.

The local birds devise a plan to set the monkeys free and exact a satisfyingly unpleasant revenge on their grubby tormentors.

Dahl’s book has never been out of print since it first appeared more than 30 years ago, and in the stage version the birds and monkeys need the help of the audience to ensure the Twits get their just deserts.

The show at Lydiard Park tomorrow is the work of the Illyria Theatre Company, which tours a variety of productions to open air venues throughout the country.

This isn’t the first time it has settled on a Dahl adaptation – last year’s production of Fantastic Mr Fox was a big hit with people of all ages.

The Twits has sold out but mroe information about other productions and events can be obtained by calling 01793 770401 or visiting www.wegottickets.com/swindonartscentre The grounds of Lydiard Park are open every day except Christmas Day until dusk, with free entry and free parking.

Details of admission times and prices at Lydiard House can be found at www.lydiardpark.org