Entire tour of Coraline musical cancelled 'in context of allegations' against author

A huge musical adaptation of book-turned-movie Coraline has been cancelled just months ahead of its UK premiere.

The ‘fantastically spooky’ adaptation had been due to tour a number of UK theatres early this year, with a premiere at Leeds Playhouse on April 11 before heading to Manchester’s HOME theatre in the city centre from May 15 to June 7.

Based on the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name, the entire tour - which was set to continue onto Birmingham and Edinburgh after its Manchester dates - has now been cancelled after a series of allegations were made against the author.

The novel, which was adapted into a stop-motion film in 2009, tells the story of a young girl who explores a darkly imaginative world featuring a sinister ‘Other Mother’. The theatrical production had been set to feature puppetry and sets from award-winning professionals to bring the universe to life.

Earlier this month, the 64-year-old author faced claims from eight women, including an alleged sexual assault in a bath. Gaiman has strenuously denied the allegations and said in a recent statement that he had "never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever".

He added he had read back text messages from the time of the alleged incidents and felt they were “of two people enjoying entirely consensual sexual relationships”.

In a statement issued today, the four venues due to host and co-produce the UK tour said they felt it was ‘impossible’ for the upcoming production to now go ahead ‘in the context of the allegations’.

The joint statement from Leeds Playhouse, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Birmingham Rep, and HOME, Manchester 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. Ticket holders have been contacted directly via email.”

Earlier this week, Dark Horse Comics announced it had cancelled a line of graphic novels and comic books it had in the pipeline with the author in the wake of the accusations.

It has also been reported that production on an upcoming film adaptation from Disney has been paused, whilst the third season of Amazon Prime Video's Good Omens is now said to comprise of just one 90-minute episode.