Joe McGann is best-known for his TV roles in shows like Night And Day and The Upper Hand. But his first love has always been theatre.

He fell in love with acting when he was introduced to it aged 12 - by his probation officer.

He has returned to his favourite medium again in an adaptation of one of the best-loved children's books, The Water Babies, at Chichester Festival Theatre.

The production is the world premiere of Gary Yershon's adaptation of Charles Kingsley's classic story.

The show includes new songs, busybody fairies and talking dragonflies, frogs and otters.

It is the first fully musical version of the story and the first time a family show has been part of Chichester's summer festival.

McGann hopes people will forget the posh tag the theatre has suffered and come to see for themselves.

He said: "The theatre is far more than just a place where the elitist or old go.

"It's more than just an outlet for people to find access into the acting profession. Some of the shows have universal appeal.

"It doesn't matter about your age, status or taste.

There is always something happening that will interest people."

The latest show, in line with the festival's watery Venice theme, aims to appeal to all ages.

It tells the story of Tom, an ill-treated sweep forced to flee the owners of Harthover Hall when he loses his way among the chimneys.

He ends up in little Ellie's pristine white bedroom, is mistaken for a thief and has to run for his life.

Tom's adventures begin when he find himself in the underwater world of talking river creatures and playful water babies.

Through his encounters with two bossy fairies - both played by Louise Gold - Tom is led to the final encounter with McGann's evil Grimes but will he reach the Other-End-Of-Nowhere or ever see the lovely Ellie again?

Yershon was musical director of Mike Leigh's multi-award-winning Gilbert and Sullivan movie Topsy Turvey.

His recent work includes the Morecambe and Wise tribute The Play What I Wrote.

The show is directed by BAFTA award-winning Jeremy Sams who wrote the book for the Palladium's production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Lyrics and music are by Jason Carr.

All children's tickets are half-price.

Log on to www.cft.org.uk for further details. or call 01243 781312