The world-famous Monkey: Journey to the West opera, designed by acclaimed artist Jamie Hewlett and composed by Damon Albarn, is coming to Greenwich.

A purpose-built theatre, called Monkey's World in the Meridian Gardens, will be constructed next to The O2 to house the epic production which includes incredible animation, spectacular visual effects, acrobatics and martial arts. There will also be a bar, restaurant, foot massage parlour and a VIP after show area at the site, with bespoke theatre interiors also designed by the Tank Girl creator, Hewlett. The show – which caught the attention of the BBC, which commissioned Hewlett to animate its promos for this year’s Olympic Games - tells the story of Monkey's quest for redemption and enlightenment as he accompanies the monk Tripitaka to bring the sacred Buddhist scrolls back from India.

It features a cast of more than 40 Chinese performers including acrobats, silk dancers, contortionists, volcano soldiers, skeleton demons, a Mongolian Kung Fu pig and a singing starfish and the Albarn- composed score will be performed by an orchestra of western and Chinese instruments.

President of International for promoters AEG Live, Rob Hallett said, “Monkey is a unique show which transports the audience into Monkey’s World and celebrates all aspects of Chinese culture, and so it made sense to create a unique environment for the performance. This will be the first time in London that an opera has inspired the design of its own theatre! Monkey is more than just a show, it's a true live extravaganza.”

Monkey: Journey to the West, Monkey’s World near The O2. Nov 8 to Dec 5. Tickets priced £25- £65 are on sale now. Call 0844 856 0202. Suitable for children 7 and upwards.