Grand Tour of Bennett classic to start at The Dipping House in Stoke
A hugely successful stage adaptation of one of Arnold Bennett’s classic novels is to be presented in Stoke ahead of a national tour.
Claybody Theatre have announced that the remount of The Grand Babylon Hotel – in association with the New Vic Theatre – will open at The Dipping House next February, before heading to Yorkshire.
The show, produced by the New Vic in association with Claybody Theatre wowed sell out audiences in September. Now Claybody has received funding from Arts Council England to support a remount and tour in 2026.
(Main Image by Andrew Billington)
Director Conrad Nelson said: “We loved making this show at the New Vic and I’m delighted that we can now share it with our audiences at The Dipping House.”
“We are also very pleased to have secured additional financial support from Arts Council England for our tour.
“Many people travel to Stoke to see a Claybody production, so it’s great to be able to take a show to them – and to find new audiences for our work.”
The Grand Babylon Hotel by local literary legend Arnold Bennett, is a rollicking comedy thriller.
American heiress Nella Racksole wants steak and beer for her birthday treat, but these are not on the menu at the exclusive Grand Babylon – so her wealthy father obligingly buys the entire Hotel.
However, Theodore Racksole soon discovers there’s more than a juicy steak on his plate – with kidnapping and murder for starters.
Local critics raved about the show following its run at the New Vic (September 13 – 4 October) saying:
“This is that rare thing, a great night out.”
Northern Soul ****
“…fun-filled, whirlwind of mayhem and chaos…”
Baba Baboon *****
‘A sensational, utterly bonkers, really funny play’
Stoke is where the heart is *****
Co-artistic Director of Claybody, Deborah McAndrew, who has adapted The Grand Babylon for the stage, says: “When I first read the book, I knew it would make a really fun stage show. Then all the talents of the actors and designers, Conrad’s direction and James Atherton’s music, took my script to another level.
“Audiences told us how much they loved the show at the New Vic and I’m thrilled that it’s getting another life so quickly.’
The Grand Babylon Hotel will be performed at The Dipping House from 27 February – 7 March 2026, before heading to Hull Truck Theatre, SJT Scarborough, Mercury Theatre Colchester and finishing in April at Harrogate Theatre.
A full cast announcement will be made soon, and tickets are now on sale from Claybody Theatre.
For more information, please visit claybodytheatre.com
