Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre - "Explaining why the CORALINE musical is cancelled | UK theatre tour pulled amidst Neil Gaiman allegations"

Release Date: January 31, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of MickeyJoTheatre, host Mickey-Jo delves into the recent cancellation of the Coraline musical's UK tour. Originally slated to premiere at Leeds Playhouse and subsequently tour several Midlands and Northern venues, the production's abrupt halt has sent ripples through the theatre community. Mickey-Jo aims to unpack the multifaceted reasons behind this decision, exploring broader implications for the industry and drawing parallels with other theatrical adaptations tied to controversial authors.

Cancellation Details

Mickey-Jo opens the discussion by announcing the cancellation of the Coraline musical's UK tour. The show, an adaptation of Neil Gaiman's beloved work, was highly anticipated and expected to be a significant draw for regional theatres.

"The upcoming UK tour of the new musical adaptation of Neil Gaiman's Coraline, which was scheduled to tour to a handful of theatres later this spring, has been cancelled." [00:00]

The cancellation stems from recent allegations against Neil Gaiman, accusing him of sexual misconduct involving nine women. While Gaiman has denied these allegations, the emerging scrutiny has made it untenable for the production to proceed.

"After careful consideration, we feel it would be impossible to continue in the context of the allegations against its original author." [Transcript Reference]

Impact on Theatres

The abrupt withdrawal of Coraline has had profound implications for the involved theatres—Leeds Playhouse, Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh, Home Manchester, and Birmingham Rep. Mickey-Jo underscores the financial and operational challenges posed by such cancellations, especially in a post-COVID landscape where regional theatres are still recovering.

"It was a big musical, it was a big tour, it was a big commercial draw. This was really exciting and, you know, compelling programming... it's going to affect a great many people." [Transcript Reference]

The cancellation not only affects ticket holders but also results in lost income and employment opportunities for countless individuals involved in the production. Mickey-Jo emphasizes the need for community support for these theatres during this tumultuous period.

"Needless to say, if you are local to Leeds Playhouse Home, Manchester, the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh or Birmingham Rep, all four of these do fantastic work year round. Please, please go and support them." [Transcript Reference]

Comparisons with Other Adaptations

Mickey-Jo draws attention to the inconsiderate cancellations of other Neil Gaiman-based projects, such as the Ocean at the End of the Lane stage adaptation. The timing of these allegations—rising in July of the previous year and exacerbating recent revelations—has particularly impacted new productions.

He further contrasts this situation with adaptations of works by Roald Dahl. Despite Dahl's admitted anti-Semitic views, numerous adaptations like Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory continue with minimal criticism. This discrepancy raises questions about selective accountability within the theatre industry.

"I am talking of course about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child... simply because J.K. Rowling uses her platform... to spread aggressive anti trans sentiment." [Transcript Reference]

The Case of Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling

Expanding the discussion, Mickey-Jo highlights the ongoing success of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, despite J.K. Rowling's controversial stances on transgender issues. Unlike Gaiman, Rowling is alive and continues to benefit financially from adaptations of her work.

"She donates over £70,000 to a crowdfunder aimed to alter the legal definition of sex in the Equality Act... to strip trans individuals of legal protections." [Transcript Reference]

Mickey-Jo expresses frustration over the lack of backlash against Rowling's works, despite her significant financial contributions to anti-trans initiatives. This inconsistency in holding authors accountable based on their personal beliefs versus their literary contributions is a central theme of the episode.

Community and Personal Reflections

Mickey-Jo acknowledges the courage of the women who have come forward with allegations against Neil Gaiman, applauding their strength in a challenging environment. He also invites listeners to share their perspectives, fostering a dialogue on the ethics of supporting works associated with problematic figures.

"Please remember to be respectful of all involved... I really want to hear other perspectives on this." [Transcript Reference]

Conclusion and Call to Action

In wrapping up, Mickey-Jo reiterates his support for the affected theatres and the broader implications of the Coraline cancellation. He urges listeners to engage thoughtfully with the content they consume and to consider the ethical dimensions of supporting productions tied to controversial authors.

"I hope you've enjoyed this video and I hope that everyone is staying safe and that you have a stagey day." [Transcript Reference]

Mickey-Jo emphasizes the importance of community support and responsible viewership in navigating the complexities of modern theatre.

Key Takeaways:

• Coraline musical's UK tour canceled due to allegations against Neil Gaiman.
• The cancellation significantly impacts regional theatres financially and operationally.
• Discrepancies observed in accountability measures for authors like Neil Gaiman versus Roald Dahl and J.K. Rowling.
• Encourages community support for affected theatres and promotes a nuanced discussion on the ethics of supporting art tied to controversial figures.

Notable Quotes:

• "Why was the Coraline musical cancelled? What is the impact going to be for these theaters?" [00:00]
• "I want to applaud the extraordinary strength that it takes for women in this position to come forward with these revelations..." [Transcript Reference]
• "It is surprising to me, especially with the arrival of the play Giant... that there isn't more criticism of the many adaptations of Roald Dahl's work..." [Transcript Reference]
• "I am simply drawing a comparison, because each of these Roald Dahl adaptations for the theatre went on with relatively little criticism." [Transcript Reference]
• "It is, however, the principle of the thing, because she uses part of that income to fund anti trans bigotry and legal attacks." [Transcript Reference]

Final Thoughts:

MickeyJoTheatre's latest episode offers a thoughtful examination of the intersection between an author's personal conduct and the longevity of their creative works within the theatre industry. By highlighting inconsistencies in how different authors' controversies are handled, Mickey-Jo invites listeners to reflect on their role as consumers and supporters of the arts.

For more in-depth theatre analysis and updates, subscribe to MickeyJoTheatre on YouTube and join the conversation in the comments section below.