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Books

77 Amazing Plays & Musicals Based On Novels

18th August 202117th August 2021 thecrownwings Post a comment
77 Amazing Plays & Musicals Based On Novels

Enjoy reading? Love theatre? You’ll love these musicals based on novels!

Whether you’re a fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber or Stephen Sondheim, some of the most popular, and most loved musicals are inspired by or based on works of literature.

Whilst watching the musical by itself is an amazing experience, reading the story adds a whole new dimension.

Combining two of my biggest passions, I thought I’d share some of the best musical adaptations of books so you can enjoy some musical magic both in and out of the theatre.

I’ve even included some plays based on novels and other adaptations at the end!

Musicals Based On Novels

Musicals based on novels

1 – Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon

Musical = The King & I

Buy it

A bestselling book that was originally published in 1944, Anna and the King of Siam has inspired a stunning musical and film. A great choice for those who love The Sound of Music, the story follows a young Englishwoman who travels to, what was then, Siam, to tutor the children of the King. However, things don’t go as smoothly as planned and with the potential for romance, it’s a must-read classic.

2 – Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

Musical = Oliver!

Buy it

Oliver! was adapted by Lionel Bart from the 1838 Charles Dickens novel and first premiered in 1960. Enjoying long longs in the West End and on Broadway, it tells the tale of a young orphan who travels to London and joins a gang of pickpockets lead by the Criminal Fagin. Full of iconic songs, there is a great mix of heartbreaking scenes and hilarious moments making it a story that will have you wanting more.

3 – Tevye’s Daughters by Sholem Aleichem & Teye’s Daughters

Musical = Fiddler on the Roof

Buy it

The first musical theatre run to have more than 3,000 performances, Fiddler on the Roof is a classic musical based on Tevye the Dairyman. Set in early 1900’s Russia, it follows a Jewish milkman who wants to continue to practice his traditions despite Russian society having other ideas.

4 – Grimms’ Fairy Tales by the Brothers Grimm

Musical = Into The Woods

Buy it

Into the Woods is a musical masterpiece that intertwines the stories of several fairytales by the Brothers Grimm including Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack and the Beanstalk. With music and lyrics by the great Sonheim, it won a handful of Tony Awards and has even been the subject of a Disney film adaptation.

5 – Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

Musical = Les Miserables

Buy it

Brought into pop culture by the star-studded film, Les Miserables is a classic story that has been entertaining theatre audiences since 1980. In fact, the Cameron Mackintosh adaptation is the longest-running musical in West England and the 2nd longest-running musical in the world. Based on the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo, it tells the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant who searches for redemption and gets caught up in the June 1832 Rebellion.

6 – Matilda by Roald Dahl

Musical = Matilda

Buy it

One of the most-loved children’s stories by Roald Dahl, Matilda is one of the best musicals based on a novel. Adapted by Tim Minchin, it centres around a genius girl with a love of reading and a gift of telekinesis. Full of mayhem and adventure, it’s a great show for both young and old.

You can read my Matilda the Musical review here.

7 – The Berlin Stories by Christopher Isherwood

Musical = Cabaret

Buy it

Set between 1929 and 1930, Cabaret has been adapted from the popular novel series by Christopher Isherwood. First published in the 1930s, The Berlin Stories is a collection of two novels, The Last of Mr Norris and Goodbye Berlin. Featuring the iconic Sally Bowles, it adds a different perspective to the build-up to WWII.

8 – Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown

Musical = Legally Blonde

Buy it

Legally Blonde is one of my favourite musicals and one of the best musicals based on a novel. After her boyfriend breaks up with her because he wants a more “serious” girlfriend, Elle goes on a mission to prove that she is everything he’s looking for, learning about herself in the process.

musicals inspired by books

9 – The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

Musical = The Phantom of the Opera

Buy it

An Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece, The Phantom of the Opera is a classic musical based on a novel. Originally published in 1910, the novel is actually based on historical events and rumours of a ghost haunting the Palais Garnier in Paris. For musical fans, this is one show you cannot miss.

10 – The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Musicals = The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz & Wicked

Buy it

Another classic novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was first published in 1901 and has since stood the test of time. I think most people are familiar with the story of Dorothy and the ruby slippers, primarily thanks to the Judy Garland film. However, it has also inspired a handful of musicals including The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz (a hip-hop version) and Wicked.

11 – Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire

Musical = Wicked

Buy it

One of my all-time favourites, I’ve seen Wicked countless times and it just keeps getting better and better. Inspired by the Wizard of Oz, Wicked is the story of the Wicked Witch, giving a new and interesting perspective on the classic tale.

You can read my Wicked The Musical review here.

12 – Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers

Musical = Mary Poppins

Buy it

A series of eight books that were originally published between 1934 and 1988, Mary Poppins is a favourite with both young and old. Centring around a magical English nanny, it’s full of adventure and fun that has been beautifully adapted for the stage.

13 – The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting

Musical = Doctor Dolittle

Buy it

Lover of animals, a doctor scares away his patients after his house becomes full of animals. In need of some income, he decides to become a vet and learns how to talk to the animals in this fun, family favourite.

You can read my Doctor Dolittle Musical review here.

14 – The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

Musical = Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds

Buy it

Serialised in 1897, The War of the Worlds is a science fiction novel that has been popular for over a century. One of the earliest stories focusing on the conflict between humans and aliens, it’s been adapted countless times including films, radio plays and even a musical version by Jeff Wayne!

15 – The Boy In The Dress by David Walliams

Musical = The Boy In The Dress

Buy it

The debut novel by David Walliams, The Boy In The Dress is a hilarious, family-friendly book and show. As the name suggests, the story is about Dennis who is a talented football player and enjoys cross-dressing. A celebration of self-acceptance and self-expression, it’s a beautiful story with important messages.

16 – How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss

Musical = How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Buy it

A seasonal favourite that has been turned into a stage hit, Dr Seuss’ clever rhymes wow in the musical adaptation. Even the biggest Christmas Grinch won’t be able to resist this feel-good show.

You can read my How The Grinch Stole Christmas Musical review here.

musicals inspired by novels

17 – The Jeeves Omnibus by P.G. Wodehouse

Musical = By Jeeves

Buy it

By Jeeves might often be called Andrew Lloyd Webber’s worst musical but the novels are much better. Centring around the wealthy by idle Bertie Wooster and his loyal and competent valet Jeeves, this comedic musical follows the pair through various scrapes and tricky situations.

18 – The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Musical = The Color Purple

Buy it

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Alice Walker’s classic novel has been brought to life in this musical adaptation. A heartbreaking story set in the deep American South, the issues highlighted in this book are still important now, 40 years later.

19 – Be More Chill by Ned Vizzini

Musical = Be More Chill

Buy it

When everything he wants in life seems just out of reach, high school student Jeremy Heere decides to try the squip. A pill-sized supercomputer that you swallow, will this be the answer to Jeremy’s problems or has he bitten off more than he can handle?

20 – The Phantom of Manhattan by Frederick Forsyth

Musical = Love Never Dies

Buy it

Written as a sequel to Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel, The Phantom of Manhattan moves the haunting story across to America, where the Phantom continues his mysterious reign. Although Love Never Dies was heavily criticised in the press, I actually really like the storyline, making this a must-read book!

21 – Tales of the South Pacific by James A Michener

Musical = South Pacific

Buy it

A Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Tales of the South Pacific is a collection of short stories about the impact of World War II on the South Pacific islands. Mainly set on the Solomon Islands, they follow the anecdotes of a US Navy Commander as he performs his duties.

22 – Show Boat by Edna Ferber

Musical = Show Boat

Buy it

A classic Hammerstein musical, Show Boat is an incredible story about the cast and crew of the Cotton Blossom, a show boat in the heart of Mississippi. Combining the grittiness of turn-of-the-century Chicago, the glamour of 1920’s Broadway and national racial tensions, it’s a powerful book that is still relevant today.

23 – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car by Ian Fleming

Musical = Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Buy it

Who wouldn’t want to ride in a flying car? When an inventor transforms a former racing car into a magical flying vehicle, the family would never guess that a picnic with Truly Scrumptious would have them trying to fly a tyrant ruler and the Child Catcher.

24 – 42nd Street by Bradford Ropes

Musical = 42nd Street

Buy it

Love the musical 42nd Street? That’s only part of the story! Readers of the original novel by Bradford Ropes will learn far more about the cast and crew as they try to get Pretty Lady ready for opening night.

books adapted into musicals

25 – Carrie by Stephen King

Musical = Carrie

Buy it

Based on Stephen King’s debut novel, Carrie the musical originally premiered in 1988, but the Broadway production closed after just 21 performances. Nevertheless, horror lovers will love this story of a teenage girl with the gift of telekinesis who seeks revenge when she is embarrassed at Prom.

26 – The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Musical = Jekyll & Hyde

Buy it

A classic Gothic novel, the story of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde has truly stood the test of time. When a London lawyer investigates the strange relationship between the kind, well-respected Dr Jekyll and the evil Mr Hyde, he is drawn into a science experiment with a sinister result.

27 – A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Musical = A Christmas Carol, Scrooge

Buy it

A timeless festive classic, A Christmas Carol is the iconic story of an elderly miser who is visited by a series of ghosts and spirits, encouraging him to change his ways. There are two main musical adaptations of the novel, both of which are popular choices at Christmas time.

28 – The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Musical = The Secret Garden

Buy it

The Secret Garden is a beautiful, family-friendly story about a spoilt girl who becomes an orphan after a cholera epidemic. Sent to live with her uncle on the Yorkshire Moors, she slowly explores her new home and finds a neglected but magical secret garden and the adventures it holds within.

29 – American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

Musical = American Psycho

Buy it

A cult classic, the American Psycho musical premiered in 2013 in the West End. Adapted from the 1991 Bret Easton Ellis book, it follows the seemingly perfect Wall Street banker Patrick Bateman, who also happens to be a psychopathic serial killer.

30 – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Rold Dahl

Musical = Charlie & the Chocolate Factory

Buy it

Every child dreams of touring a chocolate factory, so when Charlie Bucket finds one of the rare golden tickets he can’t believe his luck. Unfortunately, the other tour participants aren’t as appreciative, which results in a whole lot of trouble at every stop.

31 – Cinderella by Charles Perrault

Musical = Cinderella

Buy it

Adapted for the stage by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cinderella is a classic folk tale. Also known as The Little Glass Slipper, there are thousands of variants around the world, but generally, Charles Perrault is credited with crafting the most popular, well-known version.

32 – Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Musical = The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

Buy it

Based on Greek mythology the Percy Jackson books, Percy Jackson is your average 12-year-old until he is faced with a handful of ancient enemies and discovers he’s actually a demi-god. Attending a summer camp to train, he’s given the ultimate task of locating Zeus’s lightning bolt.

books turned into musicals

33 – The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

Musical = The Lord of The Rings

Buy it

The Lord of The Rings musical had a West End record budget of £25 million but closed in 2008 just one year later after opening night. An epic fantasy adventure story, the books are quite lengthy but are considered to be some of the best of all time.

34 – Ragtime by E. L. Doctorow

Musical = Ragtime

Buy it

Combining real historical figures with fictional characters, Ragtime is one of the best musicals based on a novel. Set in America at the turn of the century, it follows three families as their contrasting lives intertwine.

35 – One Thousand and One Nights

Musical = Aladdin

Buy it

Sometimes called the Arabian Nights, a collection of short stories are Scheherazade to King Shahryar over 1,001 nights in a bid to delay her execution and feature some of the most popular tales including Aladdin and Sinbad the Sailor.

36 – Alias Madame Doubtfire by Anne Fine

Musical = Mrs Doubtfire

Buy it

When a parent’s divorce means a father has very limited access to his children, he does what any Dad would do; gets employed as their nanny whilst being disguised as a woman. Mrs Doubtfire the musical began Broadway previews on 9th March 2020, right before COVID lockdowns, with the official opening night now scheduled for December 2021.

37 – The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

Musical = The Devil Wears Prada

Buy it

Another “new” musical delayed by COVID restrictions, The Devil Wears Prada is a cult film and soon-to-be hit musical. With the premiere delayed until July 2022, you have plenty of time to read the book which tells the story of an aspiring journalist with the boss from hell.

38 – The Wind In The Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Musical = The Wind in The Willows

Buy it

One of the best-loved children’s stories, The Wind of the Willows is an animal-packed adventure where woodland animals live happily side-by-side. That’s unless you’re a sinister weasel or stoat that is. The stage adaptation is beautifully done and will be a favourite whatever your age.

39 – The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

Musical = The Woman in White

Buy it

Originally published as a serial between 1859 and 1860, The Woman in White follows Walter Hartright, a man who finds and helps a woman dressed in white on a road in Hampstead in the middle of the night. After warning him of the dagger, Hartright suspects she has escaped from an asylum, but there is more to this mysterious story than what he first thought.

40 – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Musicals = Alice in Wonderland, Wonderland: A New Alice

Buy it

There are two main musicals inspired by the classic tale: Alice In Wonderland retells the traditional story on the stage, whereas Wonderland gives the story a contemporary twist. Either one, this is a timeless story that will appeal to all.

books adapted into musicals

41 – The Little White Bird by J. M. Barrie

Musical = Peter Pan

Buy it

Peter Pan, the boy that wouldn’t grow up, was first featured in The Little White Bird by J. M. Barrie in 1902. Following his popularity, he then starred in a West End play in 1904 and a more in-depth novel in 1911 (Peter and Wendy).

42 – High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

Musical = High Fidelity

Buy it

Struggling to get over his ex-girlfriend Laura, Rob decides to re-visit his top relationship moments to work out what went wrong. Learning life lessons in the process, this hit novelty has had performances on both Broadway and the West End.

43 – The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith

Musical = 101 Dalmatians

Buy it

This Cruella de Vil classic will soon be adding spots to the stage, with the musical adaptional coming soon. In the meantime, revisit the iconic novel that made us fall in love with Dalmations, all 101 of them.

44 – Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve

Musical = Beauty and the Beast

Buy it

Tale as old as time, this French fairy tale has wowed audiences on both the silver screen and stage. Disney lovers will adore this magical tale of not judging a book by its cover.

45 – The Magic Bedknob by Mary Norton

Musical = Bedknobs and Broomsticks

Buy it

Set in World War, three children are evacuated from London to the countryside where they are placed in the care of Miss Eglantine Price. However, when it is revealed that Miss Price is learning witchcraft through a correspondence school and hopes to use her powers to help the British war effort, the children are drawn into a magical adventure..

46 – Big Fish by Daniel Wallace

Musical = Big Fish

Buy it

First adapted in a Tim Burton film, and now a musical, Big Fish is one of the best musicals based on a novel. Never really knowing his father, Edward decides to tell his story. The only difference is that his story isn’t based on fact, but is how he imagines it.

47 – Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak

Musical = Doctor Zhivago

Buy it

The book that was banned in the Soviet Union until 1988, Doctor Zhivago is an epic story that has now been adapted for the stage. Set during the Russian Revolution, a physician unwittingly finds himself in the middle of the action, and in love with a nurse called Lara.

48 – From Here to Eternity by James Jones

Musical = From Here To Eternity

Buy it

Set in the months leading up to Pearl Harbor, when a soldier with a boxing talent refuses to box for his company, he’s given ‘The Treatment’. At the same time, his Sergeant is fighting his own battle, attempting to seduce the wife of the Captain.

musicals based on books

49 – Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: The Intimate Diary of a Professional Lady by Anita Loos

Musical = Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Buy it

Most people think of the 1953 Marilyn Monroe film when they think of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, but it actually started out as a novel. Structured around the diary of Lorelei Lee, a blonde flapper from Little Rock, it’s full of hilarious anecdotes from the Jazz Age.

50 – Kipps by H. G. Wells

Musical = Half a Sixpence

Buy it

Another one of H. G. Wells’ masterpieces has been transformed into a musical. Kipps is known on the stage as Half A Sixpence. Orphaned and raised by his aunt and uncle, Artie Kipps is shocked when he finds out he is the grandson of a wealthy gentleman from a newspaper. What’s even crazier is that he is the inferior of his fortune and now must try to learn the social rules of the upper classes to become a “gentleman”.

51 – The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo

Musical = The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

Buy it

Set in Paris in 1831, Quasimdod, a hunchback bell-ringer of Notre Dame is ordered to kidnap the beautiful Romani gypsy Esmeralda for his guardian. However, with multiple men lusting after her, a power struggle ensues leading to a heartbreaking climax.

52 – A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Musical = A Little Princess

Buy it

Whilst trying to settle into a boarding school in another country, Sara learns that she will never see her father again. With her lifestyle-changing from princess to pauper, she must adapt to a life of hard work and a bed in the attic.

53 – First Term at Malory Towers by Enid Blyton

Musical = Malory Towers

Buy it

A beloved children’s book series about a boarding school, Malory Towers is a family-friendly fun-filled story that has been recently turned into a musical. Follow new girls Darrell and Gwendoline as they make friends and have adventures.

54 – The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

Musical = The Notebook

Buy it

A heart-wrenching novel and breathtaking film, The Notebook has recently been adapted as a musical, with music and lyrics by the incredible Ingrid Michelson. The musical was workshopped in June 2019 so fingers crossed it won’t be too long before can see it.

55 – Billionaire Boy by David Walliams

Musical = Billionaire Boy

Buy it

Another hilarious musical that has been adapted from a David Walliams book. Billionaire Boy is the story of Joe, a Billionaire child who has everything he wants, apart from a friend. Swapping his posh private school for the local comp, Joe quickly learns that money can’t buy you everything.

56 – “The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown” & “Blood Pressure” by Damon Runyon

Musical = Guys & Dolls

Buy it

Based on two short stories by Damon Runyon, the Tony & Olivier winning musical, Guys & Dolls, is one of the best musicals based on a novel. Set in New York, a gambler is challenged to take a female missionary to Havana but doesn’t bet on falling in love in the process.

Other Musicals Based On Books

Need more suggestions? Here are more musicals based on different works of literature.

musicals inspired by books

1 – Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare

Musicals = West Side Story, & Juliet

Buy it

One of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Romeo & Juliet has inspired countless musicals. Two of the most popular are West Side Story and & Juliet, which tells Juliet’s story as if she didn’t die at the end of Shakespeare’s version.

2 – The Story of The Trapp Family by Maria Von Trapp

Musical = The Sound of Music

Buy it

The Sound of Music is often said to be one of the greatest musicals of all time, but what is truly remarkable is that it’s based on a real story. Retelling her incredible story including their escape from the Nazi’s, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers is a must-read for all Sound of Music lovers.

3 – Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

Musical = Hamilton

Buy it

An incredibly popular musical, Hamilton was inspired by the historical biography by Ron Chernow. Digging into American history, he tells a story that was very rarely told in this incredible book.

4 – Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw

Musical = My Fair Lady

Buy it

I love My Fair Lady, but did you know that the musical is based on a play by Bernard Shaw? First performed in 1914, Pygmalion is based on a story from Greek mythology where a sculptor fell in love with one of his sculptures and highlights elitist attitudes in social classes.

5 – Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Elliot

Musical = Cats

Buy it

A magical book of poetry that gave life to the musical Cats, this is a lovely read for people of all ages. Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats is full of feline characters who are full of character and charm.

6 – Gypsy: A Memoir by Gypsy Rose Lee

Musical = Gypsy

Buy it

The memoir of an American striptease artist called Gypsy Rose Lee, Gypsy was adapted into a Tony Award and Olivier Award-winning musical in 1959. Dreaming of raising two stage-performing daughters, Rose, the ultimate momager, will stop at nothing to make it a reality.

Musicals inspired by books

7 – Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Musical = The Lion King

Buy it

Drawing inspiration from both The Bible and Hamlet, The Lion is equally heartbreaking and heartwarming. With music by Elton John, it has one of the best soundtracks on the stage.

8 – The Addams Family by Charles Addams

Musical = The Addams Family

Buy it

First created by cartoonist Charles Addams in 1938, the Addams family is a satirical version of what was considered to be the ideal American family at that time. Since then it has had several adaptations including a handful of films and a hit musical.

9 – Fun Home by Alison Bechdel

Musical = Fun Home

Buy it

Adapted from the 206 graphic memoir, Fun Home is the first Broadway musical with a lesbian protagonist. Winner of three Tony Awards, Alison explores her own sexuality whilst also learning about her father in the process.

10 – Little Orphan Annie Poem by James Whitcomb Riley and Little Orphan Annie comic strip by Harold Gray

Musical = Annie

Buy it

Based on the 1885 Poem by James Whitcomb Riley, Little Orphan Annie was a daily comic strip that appeared in the New York Daily News from 1924 to 2010. Both the poem and the comic strip inspired the hit musical which is popular around the world.

11 – Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street play by Christopher Bond

Musical = Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Buy it

First appearing in The String of Pearls serial in a Victorian penny dreadful, Sweeny Todd has been a London villain since 1946. Whilst it is strongly disputed that Sweeny Todd was ever a real person, the musical is based on a 1973 play by Christopher Bond who expanded on Todd’s backstory.

12 – The Bible

Musicals = Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Prince of Egypt, The Lion King

Buy it

A sacred text for Christians, The Bible has inspired a handful of popular musicals. The Prince of Egypt is an adaptation of the Book of Exodus whilst The Lion King was influenced by the stories of both Joseph and Moses.

Plays Based On Novels

It’s not just musicals that have been based on books! Here are some plays based on novels that I think you will love!

Plays inspired by books

1 – The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

Play = The Girl On The Train

Buy it

The Girl On The Train is a global bestseller so it’s no surprise that it has been adapted for both the stage and screen. Whilst both adaptations didn’t quite live up to expectations, the book is an incredible page-turner.

You can read my The Girl On The Train play review here.

2 – To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Play = To Kill A Mockingbird

Buy it

One of the best books of all-time, the story of To Kill A Mockingbird is as important now as ever. Told through the young eyes of Scout Finch, a black man fights for his life when he is falsely accused of a crime in the 1930’s Deep South.

3 – War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

Play = War Horse

Buy it

Adapted for both stage and screen, Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse is a heartbreaking classic. Highlighting the contribution made to the war effort by animals, follow one horse’s experience through WW1.

4 – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Play = The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NIght-Time

Buy it

One of my favourite books ever, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a murder mystery with a unique perspective. Christopher Boone is a teenager with Asperger’s Syndrome. He’s never gone further than the end of his road by himself, but suddenly finds himself on a life-changing journey when he finds a neighbour’s dog murdered in a garden.

5 – The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

Play = Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Buy it

The magic didn’t stop when they left Hogwarts. Follow Harry and the gang as they grow up and start a family of their own. You can read the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child script before you see the show. Split into Part One and Part Two, it’s quite a long production but worth the watch.

6 – The 39 Steps by John Bunchan

Play = The 39 Steps

Buy it

Another one of my all-time favourites. When Richard Hannay finds a dead body in his flat, he becomes tangled in a thrilling spy adventure that sees him become one of Britain’s most wanted!

7 – The Woman In Black by Susan Hill

Play = The Woman In Black

Buy it

Not to be confused with The Woman in White, The Woman In Black is a horror play adapted from the 1983 novel by Susan ill. Just 3 actors tell the story of a solicitor called Arthur Kipps who attends the funeral of a client and sees a mysterious woman dressed all in black.

8 – The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

Play = The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe

Buy it

The second book in The Chronicles of Narnia series, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a stunning, family-friendly story of a magical world reached through a wardrobe and the battle between good and evil.

9 – Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Play = Life of Pi

Buy it

You might be familiar with the film Life of Pi, but did you know that it started as a novel? Pi is just 16 when the cargo ship he is on sinks in the Pacific Ocean. The only human survivor, Pi is left surviving on a boat, with a Bengal tiger for a companion.

Do you know any other plays or musicals based on novels? Let me know in the comments below!

Other posts you might find interesting:

  • The Best Theatre Shows To Watch At Home
  • The Best Musicals On Amazon Prime
  • The Best Musical Movies On Netflix UK

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musicals based on novels

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Hi! My name is Jessica & this is my blog! Travel addict, theatre fan girl and all-round culture lover. Follow me as I share culture from near and far!

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77 Amazing Plays & Musicals Based On Novels
Books ➤ 18th August 2021

77 Amazing Plays & Musicals Based On Novels

Enjoy reading? Love theatre? You’ll love these musicals based on novels! Whether you’re a fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber or Stephen Sondheim, some of the most popular, and most loved musicals are inspired by or...

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The 43 Best Places To Visit In North West England
England ➤ 21st July 2021

The 43 Best Places To Visit In North West England

Looking for the best places to visit in North West England? You’ve come to the right place! Call me biased, but I think this region is pretty special. Whatever your interests, you will find it...

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The Ultimate USA 50 States Bucket List
North America ➤ 23rd June 2021

The Ultimate USA 50 States Bucket List

Looking for the best things to do in every state? This USA 50 States Bucket List is the blog post for you. It’s no secret that I love the USA. I’ve traveled solo around the...

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