To celebrate the _Beano’s _80th year, the comic’s beloved characters are bringing their very own brand of mayhem and mischief to The McManus, with a unique exhibition that tells the story of funniest and most loved characters – Dennis and Gnasher, Rodger the Dodger, Minnie the Minx and of course The Bash Street Kids, with their characteristic slapstick humour.

The gallery will officially be known by its new _Beano_-tastic name for the duration of the exhibition, which runs from June 2 until October 21, 2018. The showcase will display and explore the birth of the _Beano _comic and show how it has developed throughout the ages.

Mike Stirling, Head of Beano Studios Scotland, said: “Dundee is the hometown of_ The Dandy_ and _Beano_, and so for us, there is no better partner than The McManus to celebrate our 80th milestone with. The exhibit will offer fans a glimpse into the history of the comics and showcase the rebellious and fun characters of the comics throughout the ages and display how they still connect with children today.”

To commemorate the collaboration, _Beano _comic illustrator Nigel Parkinson has created an original comic strip starring The Bash Street Kids larking about and designing the new sign for The McMenace. In the strip, The Bash Street Kids get tangle in one of the museum’s most popular exhibits, ‘Waldella, Dundee’ by artist David Batchelor, which consists of a hanging cluster of 250 brightly-coloured plastic bottles that hang from the roof structure.

The _Beano _is one of the most famous publications from PPA member DC Thomson and The Bash Street Kids were inspired by pupils at Dundee High School, whose playground was just a stone’s throw from their headquarters at Meadowside in the city.

Sinclair Aitken, Chair of Leisure & Culture Dundee said: “We think that the _Beano’s _80th is an outstanding achievement, its influence shows the test of time as it is still so incredibly popular with children today. We can’t wait to celebrate the birthday of this comic in its hometown. They have created so many iconic characters through the years from Dennis and Gnasher, Minnie the Minx to the fantastic Bash Street Kids.

“This exhibition is a very special collaboration between ourselves and Beano Studios and we look forward to welcoming visitors of all generations from near and far, when the exhibit opens in early June.”

Bash Street’s Back at The McMenace runs from June 2, 2018 until October 21, 2018 at The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum. Read more here.