IT’S A story most people would be familiar with and is one of the most recognisable children’s story books available.

Eric Carle’s classic, watercolour-illustrated tale, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, will hit the stage as a theatre show at the Arts Centre Gold Coast this month.

Producer Michael Sieders has a vast history with adult theatre, but said working on this show had brought him great joy. It’s also made him one of the coolest uncles in Australia.

Sieders’ friend and executive producer, Jonathan Rockefeller, spent some months trying to “woo” Eric Carle until they secured the rights to bring his critter to life.

The team then worked extensively with Eric Carle Studios to give the book justice.

“His artwork is so iconic, you really don’t want to stray too far away from that,” Sieders said.

“We worked really collaboratively because, when it came down to it, it was really about staying true to the simplicity of the story and the simplicity of the artwork.”

Sieders said the show had brought joy to many children, and he enjoyed sitting in the audience to witness them become engaged with the vivid story.

But the parents, many of whom grew up with The Very Hungry Caterpillar, also loved the show.

“I grew up with the book,” Sieders said.

“We’ve had a lot of parents give us feedback, saying it was so great because they grew up with the book, and now their children are reading the book but they can also experience this together.”

He also hoped to inspire future generations of theatre stars.

The use of “old theatre magic” is a big part of the show’s success, Sieders said.

“The set constantly transforms, and with kids being so engaged with screens and TV, giving them something real that’s not animated is such a new thing for a lot of kids,” he said.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show will be at the Arts Centre Gold Coast on May 20, 21 and 23.

Tickets to the 50-minute show are $25 each or $69 for two adults and two children.

More information: theartscentregc.com.au.