Coraline play cancelled after Gaiman allegations

A new musical based on Neil Gaiman's book Coraline has been scrapped following sexual misconduct allegations against the author.

The show had been due to open at Leeds Playhouse in April before being staged at Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum Theatre, the Birmingham Rep and Manchester's Home.

In a joint statement, the theatres said: "After careful consideration, we feel it would be impossible to continue in the context of the allegations against its original author."

Gaiman, 64, has denied allegations of sexual misconduct made by eight women, saying he has "never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever".

Coraline, a dark fantasy horror children's novella, was first published in 2002, and made into an animated film in 2009.

The three venues due to host the stage adaptation said ticket holders had been contacted directly via email.

The "family friendly" show had been described as "a darkly imaginative, richly rendered fantasy story", and had been written by playwright Zinnie Harris with music by Louis Barabbas.

It had been due to be a major production for the four theatres, and will leave a major hole in their schedules and finances.