After worldwide success as a bestselling book and cult movie, Coraline – A Musical is now set to thrill audiences when it premieres at Leeds Playhouse from 11 April-11 May 2025, before touring to Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

This exciting new musical is based on the novel by Neil Gaiman and is adapted by award-winning playwright and screenwriter Zinnie Harris, with music and lyrics by British musician and songwriter Louis Barabbas.

A co-production between Leeds Playhouse, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Birmingham Rep and HOME, Coraline – A Musical will be directed by Leeds Playhouse Artistic Director and Chief Executive James Brining. It is a darkly imaginative, richly rendered fantasy story that will take audiences on an adventure into a mysterious world under the spell of the button-eyed, deeply sinister “Other Mother”.

Leeds Playhouse Artistic Director and Chief Executive James Brining said: “Coraline is a wonderfully imaginative coming-of-age story that takes us to dark places and challenges us to explore a world glimpsed from the corner of our eye – an unnerving place full of shadows and mystery, where nothing is quite as it seems. Coraline is a brilliant character, an unlikely but inspiring hero whose curiosity about the world matches her courage to face her biggest fears.

“I’m also thrilled to be working with Zinnie again after our successful partnership on Leeds Playhouse’s production of (the fall of) The Master Builder, and creating a magical show with fantastic new songs which explore the need to find out what’s important in life, confronting your demons and what it means to be truly brave.”

First published in 2002 by British author Neil Gaiman, Coraline is celebrated for its gothic charm and the empowering journey of its young protagonist. Following in its darkly thrilling footsteps, 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.

As Coraline explores her new home, she discovers a mysterious door, an entrance to a parallel “perfect” world. But not everything is as it seems – and everyone has buttons for eyes!

Coraline - The Musical will feature set and costume design by Colin Richmond, puppet design and direction by Rachael Canning, and choreography by EJ Boyle. Further cast and creatives are to be announced.

Tickets are on sale to Leeds Playhouse’s Priority Access, Supporters’ Club, Playhouse Pass and Under 30s Scheme from today (22 May), with tickets on general sale from 29 May here.