Award winning Les Miserables director John Caird is to direct a world premiere Michael Morpurgo stage adaptation at the Barn Theatre.

The theatre has announced that they will once again work with Children’s Laureate, and best known for his book and play War Horse, Michael Morpurgo.

In early 2019 they worked with him to put on his play put on his play, Butterfly Lion, and are now pulling together a stage adaptation of his novel - The Mozart Question for The Barn Theatre’s 2020 programme.

The story tells of a young journalist sent to Venice to interview world-renowned violinist Paulo Levi on his fiftieth birthday.

He then tells the story of his parents as Jewish prisoners of war, forced to play Mozart violin concerti for the enemy; how they watched fellow Jews being led off to their deaths and knew that they were playing for their lives.

As the story unfolds, the journalist begins to understand the full horror of war and the holocaust.

The world premiere of this has been adapted for the stage by Vicki Berwick and will be directed by directed by Olivier and Tony award winner John Caird. It will be on in Cirencester from May 21 to June 27.

Michael Morpurgo said of the upcoming production: “How is a new play made? Well, you need a story. You need an inspired playwriter and a terrific director who both love the story, and a theatre producer who also believes in it totally, all of them determined to create a great play.

"It is the most important story I have ever written, about the best and most beautiful and most heavenly that is in us, and the worst and most wicked and most hellish too.

"I have no doubt they (The Barn) are creating a play worthy of the immensity of the tragedy, a play that reflects the power of music to heal, to bring reconciliation and peace in a troubled world.”

John Caird said: “I’m excited to be making my Barn Theatre debut with The Mozart Question.

"Michael Morpurgo’s deceptively simple story casts a powerful spell on the page.

"It will be a pleasure and a challenge to bring it to life on the stage.

"Though the subject could not be a darker one, Michael explores it with the lightest of touches and a deep empathy for his characters.

"The collision of great story-telling with great music provides a wonderful opportunity for actors and musicians to make theatrical magic together.”

Vicki Berwick said: “It's an honour and a privilege to be adapting Michael Morpurgo's 'The Mozart Question' for the stage.

"It's an important story in these current times, and one that reaches all ages.

"I'm so pleased the Barn were equally passionate about retelling this story.

"I first visited the Barn in March this year and since that first meeting I've been welcomed with open arms.

"They are both hugely ambitious and supportive of new talent.

"I couldn't have asked for a more perfect theatre to work with.”

Tickets are now on sale - call 01285 648 255.