Wild and Scary visit to Harrogate and Newcastle

CHILDREN’S TV presenter Naomi Wilkinson is embarking on a nationwide tour, Wild & Scary, which visits Newcastle and Harrogate in April. This family-friendly show sees Wilkinson recalling some of her most exciting and adrenaline-boosting wildlife experiences from the far-flung corners of the world, and introducing the audience to some fierce and frightening animals she has met along the way.

She will be joined on stage by Animal Mark (Mark Amey), and some of his scariest creatures. Amey is a Zoologist BSc and lifelong naturalist keeper and breeder of exotic pets.

Wilkinson is the presenter of CBBC’s Naomi’s Nightmares of Nature, in which she travels the world to come face-to-face with animals that initially seem weird, dangerous or downright scary and also regular presents for BBC1’s Countryfile. From Borneo, to Belize, Africa to Australia, Wilkinson and Amey will be spilling secrets about their adventures from all over the planet and giving onlookers an interactive experience almost unheard of in traditional theatre shows.

Ideal for families with children aged five years or older, Wilkinson is also really keen to help others get over some of their fears of certain animals, just as she has done over the years. Having previously been terrified of both spiders and sharks, and even going as far to call herself an "arachnophobe", Wilkinson has conquered her fears by learning about these amazing animals and believes she can help children around the country do the same.

* Tour dates: April 17, Newcastle's Tyne Theatre & Opera House; April 18, Harrogate Royal Hall. Tickets are on sale at goo.gl/nqnPGq Viv Hardwick