Along came a spider …

THE star of the hit television show Deadly 60 will be live on stage in Hobart and Launceston next month — joined by some Australian animals you’s rather not encounter anywhere else.

Since 2008, British author, naturalist and wildlife expert Steve Backshall has been on a mission to track down the world’s most dangerous animals, searching fearlessly through trees, deserts, swamps and seas as he films for Deadly 60.

While travelling the planet to learn about the animal kingdom’s deadly predators, Backshall has swum with sharks, been bitten by a caiman, squirted with ink by Humboldt squid, flirted with tarantulas, charged by elephants, and come face-to-face with hammerhead sharks.

After two previous sold-out Australian tours, Backshall is coming back next month with a brand new stage show, Deadly 60 Down Under — this time featuring some of the country’s deadliest animals live on stage.

Backshall will also share stories and show some of the wildest Deadly footage captured in Australia — such as being lowered from a helicopter to dangle into a crocodile’s nest, or catching the world’s most venomous octopus by hand, off Sydney Harbour.

The show will feature plenty of audience participation, and opportunities to ask Backshall questions about his adventures.

As part of an 18-city national tour, Steve Backshall presents Deadly 60 Down Under twice at Wrest Point on January 23, with shows starting at 1pm and 4pm. Tickets start at $39.70, go to www.tixtas.com.au for bookings.

Deadly 60 Down Under then moves to Launceston’s Princess Theatre on January 24. Phone 63233 666 for bookings and details.