The Hunting of the Snark, the classic nonsense poem by Lewis Carroll – author of Alice in Wonderland – is being brought to life in Hamsterley Forest by outdoor promenade theatre company Burn the Curtain. The company is touring to seven Forestry Commission sites across England and coming to Hamsterley on May 3, 4 and 5.

After their successful tour of the Company of Wolves in 2017, the company is offering two exciting new outdoor adventure experiences for families. Snarkhunter, a phone app, tells the original story, while Burn the Curtain’s new outdoor show, The Hunting of the Snark, imagines what happens next.

The show takes you on an unforgettable journey through the forest, where you will join the Butcher, the Banker, the Broker, the Barrister and the Bonnetmaker as they hunt for the Snark. "Come prepared for action and adventure, and with your much needed help, we will make a fresh attempt to find the mythical Snark," says a spokesman. "Snarkhunter, the free phone app available to download now, takes you on a journey through Lewis Carroll's original story with games to play and trails to follow. Pick your character and come for a unique forest adventure. While on the hunt for the Snark, you can collect thimbles and jam, forks and cress, defend yourself against a fearsome Jubjub bird and revive a heroic baker."

Joe Hancock, Burn the Curtain’s artistic director, says: “Adventure awaits you. Our new outdoor promenade show, takes you back to the forest to find out what happened to the cast of characters, as they continue to seek the Snark. Both the Snarkhunter app and promenade show can be experienced separately, but for the full experience, why not do both?”

Burn the Curtain are well-known for producing shows where the audience become part of the story and the action, but you need to come prepared with appropriate clothing and good footwear. Some of the action takes place in the dark, so don't forget to take a torch.

Hamsterley, County Durham, DL13 3NL . May 3, 4 and 5. Arrive at 7pm, performances start at 7.30pm