A major stage musical version of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline has been cancelled, following allegations of sexual misconduct against the author.
The show was due to open at the Leeds Playhouse in April this year for a month, before touring to Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Birmingham Rep, and HOME, Manchester.
In a joint statement, the theatres said:
“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.”
64-year old Gaiman has denied the allegations, which have been made by 8 women and he wrote on his blog:
“I’m far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.”
The allegations were first published in a Tortoise podcast last year, with the New York Magazine publishing further updates earlier this month.
Since then Dark Horse Comics have dropped the author and cancelled the Anansi Boys series. The Prime drama series, Good Omens, which Gaiman co-wrote with Terry Pratchett will now end with a 90-minute episode, rather than a full series.
READ MORE – Red Production Co to make Anansi Boys for Amazon Prime
The Coraline music had been adapted by Zinnie Harris (101 Dalmatians The Musical), with music and lyrics by British musician and songwriter Louis Barabbas (Jocasta: A Musical Tragedy).
It was due to have been directed by James Brining (Oliver!, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical, The Wizard of Oz), who’s Leeds Playhouse’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive.
