New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich in association with Ramps on the Moon, a project for which seven major theatre companies have committed to put deaf and disabled artists at the centre of their work, will tour The Who's Tommy in spring 2017.
Based on The Who's 1969 concept album, Tommy is the story of a boy who witnesses the accidental murder of his mother's lover by his father, loses the ability to hear, see or speak and is abused by relatives and neighbours. However his life is saved when he discovers pinball.
The production will feature 20 performers and musicians and will be directed by Theatre Royal Stratford East Artistic Director Kerry Michael with dramaturgy by Paul Sirett.
The Ramps on the Moon production of Gogol's The Government Inspector is currently touring.
Hedley Swain, Area Director, South East, Arts Council England, said, “Ramps on the Moon is a project of huge importance to the Arts Council and so we are delighted to hear that Tommy will be the next production.
"The Government Inspector has already demonstrated how much of an impact these inclusive productions can have, not just for audiences and cast members, but for the venues themselves. I look forward to seeing Tommy continue this impetus, helping to bring about lasting change in the UK’s disability arts provision.”