Musical based on Neil Gaiman's Coraline cancelled following sexual misconduct allegations

The Leeds Playhouse has cancelled a production of Coraline, a musical based on the book by Neil Gaiman (Bloomsbury Publishing).

A statement from the co-production partners, comprising Leeds Playhouse, the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Birmingham Rep, and HOME in Manchester, said: "After careful consideration, we feel it would be impossible to continue in the context of the allegations against its original author."

The news of the cancelled production comes days after Dark Horse Comics, an American publisher of Gaiman’s books, announced it was cancelling upcoming books by the author after the most recent allegations of sexual misconduct were reported in New York Magazine and Vulture. Gaiman’s UK publishers have not yet made any statements, despite repeated requests for comment.

Film and TV projects based on his works have also been affected, according to reports, after allegations were made against Gaiman.

The author has denied all the allegations, saying in a statement: "I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone."

The production of Coraline was set to be staged at Leeds Playhouse in April, and it was then set to travel to Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester.

The statement said that ticket holders have been contacted directly following the decision to not go ahead with the production.