The New Vic Theatre has announced the return of its much-loved production of The Borrowers as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, with performances running from 13 November 2026 to 23 January 2027.
Adapted and directed by New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins, the production brings Mary Norton’s classic tale back to the theatre-in-the-round where it first captured audiences’ imaginations in 2014. The revival continues the venue’s long-standing tradition of adapting beloved children’s literature for its Christmas season.
Set in the 1930s, The Borrowers follows Arrietty and her family, tiny people who live secretly beneath the floorboards of an English house, surviving by “borrowing” what they need from the human world. When Arrietty’s curiosity leads her to venture beyond the safety of home and she is seen by a human boy, her family’s carefully guarded secret is placed in jeopardy.
The production combines magical storytelling with original music by composer James Atherton, promising a heartwarming festive adventure centred on friendship, family, courage and community.
The cast includes Gareth Cassidy, Howard Chadwick, Erica Flint, Lucinda Freeburn, Lucy Keirl, Robbie Kewell, Ewan Ling, Meg Matthews, Perry Moore, Beth O’Donnell, Kiara Nicole Pillai, Ben Simon, Ed Thorpe and Dan Willis.
Heskins said: “When I came to the New Vic I thought that The Borrowers was one of a handful of stories that would be impossible to stage in-the-round. But I quickly learned that the New Vic, and the imaginations of New Vic audiences, know no bounds; and I saw audiences young and old take our version of this story to their hearts. In the years since many people have stopped me in the street, the supermarket, the theatre’s car park, and even once the GP’s waiting room, to share with me their memory of seeing this beloved show. So it feels particularly special to bring The Borrowers back in our 40th anniversary year.
“The New Vic has been a hub for families and the community, and a place of bold storytelling, for four decades. The Borrowers continues that tradition, taking Mary Norton’s tiny world and putting it right in the middle of the audience in our theatre-in-the-round, immersing them in live music, epic adventure and the New Vic’s own special brand of magic to bring people of all ages together this festive season.”
The creative team includes composer James Atherton, set designer Laura Willstead, costume designer Lis Evans, lighting designer Daniella Beattie, sound designer Alex Day, movement director Beverley Norris-Edmunds and aerial choreographer Vicki Dela Amedume MBE.
The production opens at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme on 13 November 2026 and runs through to 23 January 2027 as part of the theatre’s landmark anniversary programme.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
