Audiences will be taken on a journey from outside a north Staffordshire theatre inside and then back out again as they discover the secrets of Doctor Coppelius’s toy shop.
Based on two stories by E T A Hoffmann, Coppelia—A Mystery is adapted and directed by Theresa Heskins, artistic director of the New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Heskins said, "We made Coppelia—A Mystery with love and determination last Christmas. When we realised we wouldn't be able to invite audiences then, we planned how we'd reimagine it for a summer's day.
“The show plunges its audience right into the story, inviting them to walk through this magical world along the street of shops we've built outside the theatre, and then to sneak into the workshop at the back of Dr Coppelius's shop to discover the toymaker's secret.
"Nothing brings us more joy than seeing all generations of a family delighting in a show together, so creating theatre for family audiences is an important part of our theatre-making.
“This year it feels more important than ever to give families unique experiences to treasure: for us to inspire imaginations, offer adventures and to rediscover the power of theatre to bring people together."
The cast comprises Corinna Brown as Swanhilde, New Vic favourite Michael Hugo as Doctor Coppelius, Kira McPherson making her professional debut as Coppelia and violinist Farhaan Shah.
Heskins directs Coppelia—A Mystery which will be performed in and around the New Vic from Friday 16 July until Saturday 7 August.