A TALL tale about saying yes to adventure should inspire youngsters this summer.

An adventure with Shackleton the dog comes to Bridport Arts Centre in Thursday August 17 for two performances.

Tall Tree Theatre present the production at 11am and 2pm.

Mr Middle has created a predictable life of routine for himself and his loyal dog Shackleton. Together they enjoy their evenings in and their simple walks but Shackleton longs for more adventure.

Not one for surprises, Mr Middle keeps his world as small as possible but one day the garden gate is left ajar and offers Shackleton the chance to look beyond what he has always known. As he follows his senses and goes exploring, his trepidacious owner is forced on an exciting journey of his own where he must rediscover his adventurous past and break his routine to find his beloved dog.

Tall Tree are well known for their combination of storytelling, song and puppetry. Shackleton is an original story written by Anna Harriott with an original musical score by Harry Emerson.

The show was inspired by Anna's chance encounter with an adventurous dog in Wiltshire.

"Back in spring 2015 I was driving home with the family when we spotted a dog on the road. I stopped the car with my two small children craning to see what was going on and my husband shouting ‘There, look there!’ I got out of the car as the wet, panting dog whizzed up to me, wagging his tail as I stroked him.

"His tag had an address and number, which we called and spoke to someone called Tessa, who said she was very happy that we’d found him, that he’d been gone for hours and her Dad would come and collect him soon. She also said his name was Shackleton.We gave him snacks, threw sticks (which he brought back!) and discovered he knew loads of great tricks. It was a magical day for my children and, to help them to remember it, I wrote it all down as a story.

"I heard endless stories of Shackleton escaping, Shackleton popping down into the village, Shackleton’s regular visits to the local petrol station and the many rumours of puppy litters that have an uncanny resemblance to him"

This will be a wonderful afternoon for children aged four and above and their adults alike! The Arts Centre's Pantry Cafe will be serving family favourites on their breakfast menu and kids lunches before the 2pm show.

*Shackleton, Thursday August 17, 11am or 2pm performances. Call the box office for tickets.