Six must-see page to stage adaptations

As the evenings draw in, few things feel more comforting than settling down with a warm drink and a favourite book. Yet carving out a couple of uninterrupted hours to read can be tough in today’s fast-paced world, and often what we crave most is the chance to share those stories with others. That’s where stage adaptations shine. They bring beloved tales to life in a way that’s immersive, communal, and free from the usual distractions. In the theatre, you can lose yourself completely in the story—without guilt, without limits, and with the joy of experiencing it alongside others.

## 1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Long before it became a spellbinding stage musical, *The Curious Case of Benjamin Button* was a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, first published in 1922. The tale follows Benjamin, a man born with the body of an old man who ages in reverse, growing physically younger as the years pass. Set against the sweeping backdrop of Cornwall in the stage adaptation, Benjamin’s extraordinary life becomes a moving meditation on time, love, and what it truly means to live. With folk-inspired music and heartfelt storytelling, the musical transforms Fitzgerald’s curious little tale into a rich, emotional journey that celebrates both the fragility and beauty of life. ## 2. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Harry Potter may have defeated Voldemort, but his story didn’t end with the final book. In 2016, fans were welcomed back into the Wizarding World with *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*, a stage play based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany. Picking up 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, the play follows Harry—now an overworked Ministry of Magic employee—and his youngest son, Albus Severus Potter, as they struggle with the weight of a famous family name. When Albus befriends Scorpius Malfoy, the son of Harry’s old rival Draco, the unlikely pair set out on a journey that tests friendship, loyalty, and the dangers of time itself. With spells, duels, and some of the most jaw-dropping stage magic ever seen in theatre, audiences are pulled right back into the heart of the wizarding world. But with the past refusing to stay buried, one question looms large: how far will the next generation go to rewrite their story? ## 3. The Devil Wears Prada Before it was a cult-classic film starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, *The Devil Wears Prada* was a bestselling 2003 novel by Lauren Weisberger. Drawing inspiration from her time as an assistant at *Vogue*, Weisberger crafted the story of Andrea “Andy” Sachs, a young aspiring journalist who lands the job “a million girls would kill for” as assistant to the formidable Miranda Priestly, editor-in-chief of *Runway* magazine. What begins as a dream opportunity quickly spirals into a whirlwind of impossible demands, late-night calls, and ruthless lessons in survival at the top of the fashion world. Torn between her personal life and her boss’s never-ending expectations, Andy must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice for success. Glamorous, sharp-witted, and unapologetically stylish, *The Devil Wears Prada* struts onto the stage with the same biting humour and high-stakes drama that made the book and film unforgettable. ## 4. Paddington the Musical Before he became a stage star, Paddington first appeared in Michael Bond’s much-loved 1958 children’s book *A Bear Called Paddington*. The story introduced readers to the polite, marmalade-loving bear from “darkest Peru,” who is discovered at Paddington Station by the kindly Brown family. With his trademark duffle coat, battered suitcase, and knack for getting into trouble despite the best intentions, Paddington quickly became a cherished character in children’s literature. Now Paddington’s adventures step onto the stage in *Paddington: The Musical*, bringing the bear’s charm, humour, and heartwarming lessons to life with songs, laughter, and a healthy serving of marmalade. Just as in the books, audiences are reminded that kindness, curiosity, and a little mischief can make the world a brighter place. ## 5. Oliver Before it became a beloved musical classic, *Oliver!* began as Charles Dickens’ 1838 novel *Oliver Twist*. The story follows young orphan Oliver, who escapes the hardships of the workhouse only to find himself drawn into the underworld of Victorian London. There he encounters the Artful Dodger, the cunning Fagin, the kind-hearted Nancy, and the menacing Bill Sikes, each shaping his journey in a city full of danger and possibility. Lionel Bart’s stage adaptation brings Dickens’ world to life with unforgettable songs like “Food, Glorious Food” and “Consider Yourself,” blending grit and charm in equal measure. Both heartbreaking and heartwarming, *Oliver!* captures the resilience of a boy who refuses to give up on finding a family and a place to belong. ## 6. Matilda Matilda was recently crowned *Roald Dahl’s Most Marvellous Book*, and it’s clear to see why. Full of mischief and magic, Matilda utilises her inner strength, courage, and intelligence to thwart the malicious and spiteful adults that control her life, both in and out of school. Matilda’s parents are glued to the television day in and day out, ignorant and unaware of their daughter's extraordinary talents. At Matilda’s request, she is finally enrolled in school, a place she has heard is surrounded by books and like-minded kids, keen to learn and explore. However, what she encounters when she reaches Crunchem Hall is far scarier than any horror she has read at the library. The school is governed by the infamous hammer throwing champion Trunchbull, who believes that children are truly revolting and that Matilda is a ‘nasty little troublemaking goblin’. Little does she know that Matilda only makes trouble for those who deserve it, and the so-called ‘revolting’ children are about to start a revolution!

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