Taking inspiration from mime artist Charlie Chaplin, madcap children’s author Dr Seuss and influential modern dancer Pina Bausch, the theatrical anarchy of Get Happy mimics the random nature of children’s imaginations.

The mischievous, interactive show in the Barbican Pit is the first ever for children from critically acclaimed theatre company Told by an Idiot, and combines performance, dance, music and visual comedy.

The energetic show will feature the strangest egg sandwich ever created live on stage and even a gorilla-loving opera singer.

Speaking about the project, which follows the company’s many acclaimed shows for adult audiences including its most recent London hit, My Perfect Mind at the Young Vic, Hunter said: “Whilst developing Get Happy with the involvement and feedback of young audiences, I have been constantly fascinated by the often random nature of their imaginations.

“Far from being bound by a search for meaning or desire to make connections, they will happily flip from one idea to the next.

“We’re thrilled that this fits with the desire for spontaneity and theatrical anarchy that is at the heart of all of Told by an Idiot’s work.”

Get Happy will star frequent Told by an Idiot performers Steve Harper, Elisabeth Flett and Sophie Russell alongside 17-year-old dancer and actor Michael Ureta.

The show is suitable for everyone aged four and over and will run from Thurrsday December 12 to Sunday December 29.

All tickets cost £11, for performance times and to book see www.barbican.org.uk or call 020 7638 8891.