In From Page-To-Stage we delve into the enchanting journey of books that have been adapted onto the theatre stage. This post contains affiliate links.

Before books were adapted for the big screen, and well before the big screen was even invented literature has been adapted for theatre performances. Trying to find out what the first book adapted into a play was has been very tricky but I can confirm that in 1808 Cinderella or The Little Glass Slipper, adapted from Charles Perrault’s Cendrillon took to the New York Theatre stage. Was this the earliest adaptation? I cannot confirm.

Some of the most captivating and memorable performances in the world of entertainment have occurred on the stage. The transformation of beloved books into stage productions is a delicate art, which requires a careful balance of preserving the essence of the original story and adapting it to suit the dynamics of live performance.

Adapting a book for the stage is a complex process that demands a deep understanding of both the novel and the theatrical medium. The challenge lies in distilling the essence of a multi-layered narrative into a contributing live performance. Unlike movie adaptations, which often have the luxury of CGI, retakes, and multiple locations, stage adaptations must rely on the expertise of set designers, lighting, and the skill of the actors to enthral the audience.

One notable example of a successful theatrical adaptation is the musical Les Misérables which was adapted from Victor Hugo’s 1862 book of the same name and was first adapted for the stage back in 1980 and is still running in theatres across the world today. There was also a film adaptation in 2012.

Fans of the original work have high expectations when it comes to adaptations, whether on the stage or screen. They hope that the right balance between being faithful to the original story and the creative interpretation is spot on. However, one such Broadway adaptation had the family of the author seeking legal counsel. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird written by Aaron Sorkin took to the stage in 2018, the play faced initial controversy because the family deemed it deviated too much from the novel. The lawsuit was eventually settled when Sorkin agreed to remove parts of the play he had changed from the novel.

The theatre has a unique ability to engage audiences emotionally and adaptations often breathe new life into familiar stories. Classics such as Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice have been successfully adapted for the stage, allowing audiences to experience the wit and romance of the novel in a communal and immediate setting. The adaptation process, when done effectively, allows for a dynamic exchange between the original work, the creative team, and the audience, creating a transformative experience for all involved.

Today there are numerous books adapted yearly onto stages across the world. As audiences continue to be captivated by the magic of live theatre, the art of page-to-stage will remain a vibrant and essential force in the world of entertainment.

Below are just a few theatre productions around the UK that are currently or will be putting on shows adapted from books this year. Why not check out a theatre near you to see what adaptations they have. Many smaller theatres put on adaptations throughout the year. Is there anything on your radar which you can’t wait to go and see?

His Majesty’s Theatre – Aberdeen, 11th – 15th June – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Adapted from the book of the same name by Ian Fleming.

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, 25th – 29th June – Life of Pi. Based on the book of the same name by Yann Martel released in 2001.

Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne, 30th April – 4th May – The Boy at the Back of the Class. Based on the children’s book of the same name by Onjali Rauf, published in 2018.

Leeds Playhouse, Leeds, 18th November 2024 – 25th January 2025 – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Adapted from the children’s book of the same name written by C.S. Lewis.

The Lowry, Manchester, 7th – 11th May – The Kite Runner. Based on the 2003 acclaimed book by Khaled Hosseini of the same name.

Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, 6th – 9th March – Frankenstein. Adapted from the Mary Shelley book of the same name.

Garrick Theatre, London, 30th September 2023 – 17th February 2024 – Hamnet. Based on the book of the same name written by Maggie O’Farrell.

Check out our A Tale of Book-to-Screen – Movie Adaptations post.