We love a great book adaptation! From whimsical picture books coming to life with giant puppets to spine-chilling psychological thrillers, we are bringing your favourite bookshelf classics straight to the stage.
Grab a cuppa and check out what’s coming up.
Matilda The Musical | 19 Aug – 6 Sep | Norwich Theatre Royal
Inspired by the beloved book by Roald Dahl, Matilda is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. With book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical has won over 100 international awards, including 25 for Best Musical. It’s an absolute powerhouse of a show for anyone who ever felt a little bit small in a very big world.
Don’t forget to pop into our Book Nook at Norwich Theatre Royal during Café Royal opening hours to celebrate Matilda’s love of reading!
The Go Between | 28 – 29 Aug | Norwich Theatre Stage Two
With original live music, stunning visuals, and a powerful sense of place, Eastern Angles bring new life to L.P. Hartley’s classic novel set amongst the wide skies and golden fields of the Norfolk countryside. Young Leo Colston is staying at his friend’s grand country house when he becomes caught up in a dangerous web of desire and deception, delivering secret letters between two forbidden lovers. As the summer months pass by, Leo soon finds that even the smallest of actions can have devastating consequences.
Rapunzel | 20 Sep | Norwich Theatre Stage Two
This bold and funny adaptation of the much-loved storybook by the creator of the New York Times Best Illustrated Book Bethan Woollvin is a theatrical adventure brimming full of music, magic, and madcap schemes, and not a prince in sight! Golden-haired Rapunzel is trapped in her lofty tower by a wicked witch, who lops off the locks of her beautiful hair and sells them for a tidy profit.
The Selfish Giant | 24 Oct | Norwich Theatre Stage Two
Step into the magical world of the Giant’s garden inspired by Oscar Wilde’s timeless tale, full of music, beauty, bird song, and stories! But the Giant is cross; he returns to find children playing in his beautiful orchard! Through storytelling, interactive games, live music, and puppetry, Riding Lights Theatre Company brings you an inspirational play for family audiences (perfect for those 3+) that celebrates love and generosity.
Flotsam | 28 Oct | Norwich Theatre Stage Two
Flotsam brings David Wiesner’s much-loved picture book to life with a spellbinding blend of music, movement, and visual storytelling for audiences of all ages. When a curious child discovers a mysterious camera washed ashore, the photos inside reveal a chain of children linked across time and space in an extraordinary underwater world.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar | 24 – 29 Nov | Norwich Theatre Playhouse
Everybody’s favourite bedtime caterpillar jumps off the page and onto the stage with this joyous show! Featuring a menagerie of over 75 magical and larger-than-life puppets, including the star of the show, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this colourful production takes you on an unforgettable journey that will delight anyone from ages 1 to 99.
Meet the Hatter | 13 Feb | Norwich Theatre Playhouse
The iconic Mad Hatter from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is brought to life with a fresh twist. Using projections and immersive animations, you’ll marvel at his breathtaking make-believe world and the amazing characters he meets along the way. For audiences aged 5 to 105, Meet the Hatter takes you on a journey that celebrates the importance of play, whilst highlighting how self-belief can create opportunities you’ve only ever dreamed of.
The All New Adventures of Peter Pan | Norwich Theatre Royal
Based on the classic story by J.M. Barrie, join Peter and friends as they take on the dastardly Captain Hook in an epic quest full of magic, mayhem, and mischief. Writing and starring as panto favourite Smee is Joe Tracini, alongside Karl Queensborough as Captain Hook, Milo Clarke as Peter Pan, Kerry Ingram as Wendy, and Quinn Patrick swapping outrageous gowns for fairy wings as Tink! With spectacular dancing, show-stopping musical numbers, and more audience participation than you can shake a hook at, this is a festive treat for the whole family.
Before I Go To Sleep | 23 – 27 Mar | Norwich Theatre Royal
We all got gripped by the bestselling novel Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson, and now you can be on the edge of your seat with this psychological thriller. Acclaimed actor, author, and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher stars in the world stage premiere. Christine appears to have an idyllic life — with one terrible exception. Every night, when she goes to sleep, she loses her memory. Every morning she wakes up remembering nothing from the last 20 years of her life.
Agatha Christie’s The Hollow | 4 – 8 May | Norwich Theatre Royal
Described as a classic Christie novel, this production is pure perfection for murder mystery fans. Renowned detective Hercule Poirot is back! At The Hollow, an elegant country estate, a glamorous circle of guests gather together one summer evening. But beneath the sunlit charm, something darker coils. Poirot’s enquiries reveal a complex web of romantic attachments. It seems everyone in the drama is a suspect – and each a victim of love.
