A North Staffordshire theatre is set to stage the world premiere of an Arnold Bennett adaptation, as part of Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary celebrations.
The New Vic Theatre’s upcoming season of productions includes the first stage production of The Grand Babylon Hotel, adapted from a story by Stoke-on-Trent-born author Arnold Bennett.
Adapted for the stage by Deborah McAndrew and directed by Conrad Nelson, artistic director of Claybody Theatre, The Grand Babylon Hotel is described as a comedy thriller and will run from Saturday, 13 September, to Saturday, 4 October.
Deborah and Conrad’s previous Bennett adaptations, Anna of the Five Towns and The Card, were staged at the Basford-based theatre in 2017 and 2023. A post on Claybody Theatre’s Facebook page, announcing the new production, said: “If you enjoyed The Card, you’ll love The Grand Babylon Hotel!”
Alongside Bennett’s play, the New Vic will also present Big Big Sky by award-winning playwright Tom Wells. Opening on Friday, 4 July, and running until Thursday, 24 July, this will be only the second professional production of the play. It will be directed by Bryn Holding, a former resident assistant director at the New Vic, whose previous work at the theatre includes The Snow Queen.
Other productions featuring in the autumn season include the John Godber Company’s satirical comedy Black Tie Ball Monday (October 6 to 11) and Alan Ayckbourn’s 91st play Earth Angel, staged by the Stephen Joseph Theatre (October 13 to October 25).
The season will conclude with a new adaptation of The Little Mermaid as part of the theatre’s circus-theatre programme. Directed by New Vic artistic director Theresa Heskins and Vicki Dela Amedume, artistic director of Upswing, the production will feature contemporary circus, live music and storytelling. The pair previously collaborated on The Company of Wolves and The Princess and The Pea at the New Vic.
Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary and literary history will also be celebrated in May with a world premiere production of Arthur Berry’s Whatever Happened To Phoebe Salt, which forms part of the commemorations of the 100th anniversary of Berry’s birth.
Daily Focus previously reported that the New Vic Theatre, alongside partners Barewall Gallery, Arthur Wood Estate, Victoria Theatre Archive, Claybody Theatre, Keele University, Three Counties Open Art Exhibition, Staffordshire Film Archive and Appetite Stoke, had been awarded a £147,193 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to design and deliver a year-long programme of events in 2025 to celebrate the Stoke-on-Trent-born artist, poet, playwright and broadcaster.
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 two world premiere productions written by local artists. Our production of Arthur Berry’s Whatever Happened To Phoebe Salt in May will be followed in the autumn with Arnold Bennett’s The Grand Babylon Hotel – both stories that will resonate deeply with local audiences.
“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 look forward to bringing the creative talents of our local cultural heroes to a wider audience.”
Tickets for the New Vic’s autumn season go on general sale at 12pm on Tuesday, 22 April. More information is available here or by calling the box office on 01782 717962.
