A Staffordshire theatre is set to host the world premiere adaptation of a story by acclaimed Stoke-on-Trent author Arnold Bennett as a centrepiece of the city’s centenary celebrations.
Newcastle-under-Lyme’s New Vic Theatre will feature the first stage production of The Grand Babylon Hotel, Bennett’s rollicking comedy thriller.
Previously aired as a radio play, it will be adapted for the stage by Deborah McAndrew and directed by UK Theatre Award Best Director nominee and Artistic Director of Claybody Theatre, Conrad Nelson.
Coinciding with the anniversary of Stoke-on-Trent officially gaining city status, it will open on Saturday 13 September and run through to Saturday 4 October.
This new production will be staged alongside only the second ever professional outing of a tender and uplifting play Big Big Sky by award-winning playwright Tom Wells. The theatre will then end the year with performances of The Little Mermaid.
This new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale will combine contemporary circus with storytelling, live music and adventure.
New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins said: “2025 is a big year for the city of Stoke-on-Trent and what better way to celebrate its rich creative heritage than with Arnold Bennett’s The Grand Babylon Hotel.
“To top off the year, Newcastle-under-Lyme’s unique place in circus history forms part of the inspiration for our festive show, The Little Mermaid. We are looking forward to bringing the creative talents of our local cultural heroes to a wider audience.”
Newcastle-under-Lyme is also home to the man regarded as the ‘Father of the Modern Circus’. Master equestrian and showman Philip Astley, born in the town in 1742, “invented” the 42-foot diameter circus ring and brought together acrobats, clowns and trick riders for the first time.
To mark Stoke-on-Trent’s 100 years of its city status, commemorative events are being staged throughout 2025 in the city, culminating in a Centenary Celebration beginning on Thursday 5, and reaching a peak over the weekend of 7 and 8 June (https://sot100.org.uk).
For details about the New Vic Theatre, visit www.newvictheatre.org.uk
For more information on Stoke-on-Trent as a destination, see www.visitstoke.co.uk
Photos: New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme
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