An immersive new family theatre show is coming to Rutland libraries this summer, introducing audience members to a unique literary experience.

The Girl of Ink and Stars – A Tale of Maps, Myths and Monsters – will be presented through individual headsets to provide the audience with a 360 sound experience as they watch the action unfold in front of them.

The headsets will allow the audience to hear the full soundscape of the mythical island of Joya. They'll listen to the story's main characters, Isabella and Pablo, on their quest into the Forgotten Territories to uncover the truth behind an ancient myth.

The Girl of Ink and Stars is a brand-new play written by Satinder Chohan and based on the award-winning book by Kiran Millwood Hargrave. The play has been created and produced, on behalf of Inspire, by The Spark Arts for Children, a charity that offers children the opportunity to discover and enjoy the arts.

Inspire have commissioned the production, with funding from Arts Council England (ACE) as part their National Portfolio Organisation status, to build on their ambitious programme of high-quality arts and cultural events for children, young people and their families.

The show is being offered this summer as part of the ACE funded 'Among Ideal Friends' project, offering family theatre in library settings across the East Midlands in collaboration with The Spark Arts for Children.

Aimed at children aged 7+ and their families, the story tells of a young girl called Isabella. Forbidden to leave her island, she dreams of the faraway lands her father once mapped. When a girl from the village disappears into the island's Forgotten Territories, Isabella and her lifelong friend Pablo go in search.

Councillor Lucy Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure at Rutland County Council, said: "Rutland Libraries aren't just places to read. We've hosted some fantastic theatre for families in recent few years and this promises to be another great experience for children. We're excited to be offering another show this summer and hope it will inspire children's books to get creative with their own stories this summer."

The Girl of Ink and Stars will tour the East Midlands visiting a total of 47 libraries across the region. Shows in Rutland are taking place at the following venues:

Oakham Library, Wednesday 21st August, 5pm – 6pm

Oakham Library, Thursday 22nd August, 5pm – 6pm

Tickets are £5 each, or £15 for a family of four, available from Oakham and Ketton Libraries. For more information, visit: www.rutland.gov.uk/libraries.