New Vic Theatre will present the world premiere of The Grand Babylon Hotel, an adaptation of a story by acclaimed Stoke-on-Trent author Arnold Bennett, as a centrepiece of the city’s centenary celebrations. This major new production will be staged alongside only the second ever professional outing of a tender and uplifting play by award-winning playwright Tom Wells. These two exciting titles join the previously announced festive production of The Little Mermaid, completing the New Vic’s 2025 season of produced work.
The season includes:
- The world premiere production of Arnold Bennett’s comedy thriller The Grand Babylon Hotel. Produced in association with Claybody Theatre, the novel will be adapted for the stage by Deborah McAndrew, directed by Conrad Nelson (One Man, Two Guvnors; The Card) and will form part of the celebrations of Stoke-on-Trent’s 100th anniversary year.
- The second professional production of Tom Wells’ tender drama Big Big Sky directed by Bryn Holding.
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.”
Stoke-on-Trent-born playwright Arnold Bennett’s rollicking comedy thriller The Grand Babylon Hotel 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. Previously adapted and aired as a radio play, this new adaptation will be the first ever stage production of Arnold Bennett’s comedy thriller. Coinciding with the anniversary of Stoke-on-Trent officially gaining city status, the production opens on Saturday 13 September to Saturday 4 October.
Big Big Sky by Tom Wells will open on Friday 4 July and run until Thursday 24 July. Directed by former Resident Assistant Director of the New Vic Bryn Holding, this heartwarming story about family, friendship, love, loss, and the natural world celebrates the beauty of everyday life and the importance of community.
The two productions will join the New Vic’s previously announced Christmas production: a new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid which opens at the theatre on Friday 14 November 2025 to Saturday 24 January 2026. This new adaptation of The Little Mermaid will combine contemporary circus with enchanting storytelling and is the next show to be produced as part of the New Vic’s circus-theatre programme of work.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
