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The producers of the forthcoming world premiere production of Coraline – A Musical have cancelled the show.

The new musical is based on Neil Gaiman’s award-winning novel, which was turned into a movie.

The show was to have been staged at Leeds Playhouse from 11 April to 11 May 2025, ahead of a UK tour to Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester.

The producers put out a statement today, 29 January 2025, saying: “From the co-production partners: Leeds Playhouse, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Birmingham Rep, and HOME, Manchester. We have decided our production of Coraline – A Musical will not proceed. After careful consideration, we feel it would be impossible to continue in the context of the allegations against its original author. Ticket holders have been contacted directly via email.”

Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman (The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Good Omens, Doctor Who), the musical has been adapted by award-winning playwright and screenwriter Zinnie Harris (101 Dalmatians The Musical), with music and lyrics by British musician and songwriter Louis Barabbas (Jocasta: A Musical Tragedy).

Coraline – A Musical explores the fascinating spaces created by alternate realities. As young Coraline moves into a new home with her family, she soon discovers that things are not what they seem. The roof leaks, the wallpaper is peeling off the walls, the new neighbours are a little eccentric and her parents are so busy they hardly notice her at all.

The show was to have been directed by Leeds Playhouse Artistic Director and Chief Executive James Brining (Oliver!, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical, The Wizard of Oz), alongside a creative team that included Set & Costume Designer Colin Richmond (Oliver!), Puppet Designer and Director Rachael Canning (The Jungle Book, Of Mice and Men, Into The Woods, Oliver Twist), and Choreographer EJ Boyle (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sunshine on Leith).

Last week Dark Horse Comics, the publisher of Neil Gaiman’s graphic novels and comic books, cancelled his upcoming work, after sexual misconduct allegations were made against Gaiman.

Neil Gaiman has denied allegations of sexual misconduct made by eight women, posting a statement on his website on 14 January 2025, saying that he has “never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever”.

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Main photo: Coraline - A New Musical - Leeds Playhouse

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