Dermot O’Leary’s children’s book about a ninja cat to be adapted for the stage

A children’s book written by TV and radio presenter Dermot O’Leary is being turned into a family musical that will open in 2026.

The stage adaptation of Toto The Ninja Cat And The Great Snake Escape, a story based on O’Leary’s real-life pets, will tour across England, starting with dates in Colchester, Essex – where the TV star grew up.

The production, adapted from page to stage by Samantha Lane, artistic director of Little Angel Theatre, and musician Barb Jungr, will be filled with original music and puppetry.

O’Leary, 52, said: “I’m over the moon to see my book brought to life through puppetry.

“Toto is currently fast asleep, blissfully unaware of all the attention, but speaking on her behalf, she’ll be thrilled to bits that her adventures are about to come to life, in theatres to audiences all around the country.”

The book follows Toto, a cat who is completely blind but has incredible ninja skills that aid her in her adventures with her brother Silver.

In their first adventure, a deadly king cobra has escaped from London Zoo onto the streets of the capital, and it is up to Toto to save the day.

Illustrator Nick East said: “Working with Dermot on the Toto The Ninja Cat series has been an utter delight, and I’m thrilled that the amazing Little Angel team are now giving our fearless feline a whole new adventure in puppet form – it’s sure to be the cat’s whiskers!”

The production will open at Colchester’s Mercury Theatre, with performances taking place between April 2 and April 18 2026.

From May 16 to July 19 the musical will be stationed at London’s Little Angel Theatre, with performances at Southampton’s Mayflower between July 23 and July 26.

Toto The Ninja Cat And The Great Snake Escape will also travel to Bristol’s Redgrave Theatre, Birmingham Town Hall, Weymouth Pavilion and the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford.

O’Leary, who presents on ITV’s This Morning and BBC Radio 2, has written a number of children’s books including Spy Fox And Agent Feathers and Wings Of Glory.

Tickets are on sale now. Further tour dates will be announced soon.