Underwater adventurers the Octonauts have been causing a splash with their show, Deep Sea Volcano Adventure.

The Octonauts crew, beloved of many small viewers of CBeebies, are led by intrepid explorer Captain Barnacles, Lieutenant Kwazii and Medic Peso. The gang are now touring with a stage show which features original music, new adventures and ‘jaw-dropping surprises’, and next week they are set to dock in the county.

Octonauts the TV show has been a huge success since it first aired on CBeebies in 2010. This interactive stage adaptation is by the same team that have scored such successes with the live Peppa Pig stage shows. At the helm is director Richard Lewis.

“Octonauts is a great adventure and really suits a stage adaptation,” said Richard.

“Visually it’s impressive and it’s got some great characters in it.”

The TV version is full of action-packed adventure, sea vehicles and ocean creatures. So what were the challenges in transferring this to the stage?

“You have to be true to the core material,” said Richard, “and with Octonauts the fast-moving adventure is a critical part of that.

“We use a mixture of formats that include large-scale projections to represent the sea and show the scale of adventure the Octonauts are undertaking. For action in the sea we also use a mixture of black light and ultraviolet puppetry.”

On stage, the underwater action sequences are as fast-paced as any you’re likely to see on a theatrical stage.

But there is also a thoughtful undercurrent to all the adventure.

“The focus is on broader themes: environmental damage, saving sea life and working with others as a team to achieve a goal,” added Richard.

Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells runs on Wednesday, February 4 and Thursday, February 5, with shows at 1pm and 4pm. Tickets cost from £13.50 for adults and £11.50 for children, or £54 for a family. Visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or call 01892 530613.