Based on Neil Gaiman's best-selling book and the cult movie, Coraline - A Musical premieres at Leeds Playhouse next year (April 11-May 11, 2025), before a tour that takes it to HOME Manchester (May 15-June 7).
Adapted by award-winning playwright and screenwriter Zinnie Harris, with music and lyrics by British musician and songwriter Louis Barabbas, the family-friendly show is aimed at anyone aged nine or more.
First published in 2002 by British author Gaiman, Coraline is celebrated for its gothic charm As young Coraline moves into a new home with her family, she soon discovers a mysterious door– an entrance to a parallel “perfect” world. But not everything is as it seems, and everyone has buttons for eyes!
Zinnie Harris said: “I first came across Coraline when reading books to my children, and was blown away by the inventiveness of the world and this strange Other Mother, a woman that looks exactly like your mother, yet has buttons for eyes.
"It’s weird and scary, but ultimately full of truth about facing fears. I know a number of young people who said that reading the story as a child helped them get through difficult times. Coraline is a kind of hero for us all in that way."
Director James Brining said: “Coraline is a wonderfully imaginative, coming-of-age story that takes us to dark places; an unnerving place full of shadows and mystery, where nothing is quite as it seems."
A co-production between Leeds Playhouse, HOME Manchester, the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh and Birmingham Rep, Coraline - A Musical also plays in Birmingham (June 12-22) and Edinburgh (June 26-July 19).
More info and tickets here