Leicester Curve hosts world premiere of new musical Water Babies in April 2014

The Leicester Curve will play host next year to the world premiere of new musical Water Babies, inspired by Charles Kingsley's novel, running from 6-17 May 2014 (previews from 24 April).

The show, which is directed by Ed Curtis, features music by Chris Egan and a book and lyrics by Ed Curtis and Guy Jones, and promises "some of the most sophisticated special effects ever seen on stage".

Tom, our orphaned teenage hero, is framed for a crime he didn’t commit. In a desperate attempt to escape capture he is trapped on the edge of a waterfall. His only choice is to jump…

Awakening in the depths of the ocean he encounters a whole new world of enchantment, danger and adventure. Desperate to get back to the girl he loves Tom must brave underwater terrors in a world beyond his wildest imagination. Together with the unlikeliest of friends he embarks on a quest to find a way back to land. However, soon he finds it's not just his own fate he holds in his hands but also that of the mysterious and elusive gang of Water Babies.

It's time for Tom to face his worst fears…it's time to believe in himself and that anything is possible.

Ed Curtis and Guy Jones' writing credits include Marlon Brando's Corset and Never Forget. As a director, Curtis' credits include I Dreamed A Dream and Jolson & Company. Chris Egan has worked as a composer, arranger and orchestrator and credits include The Bodyguard, The Pajama Game and Kiss Me, Kate.

Water Babies is produced by Peter Shaw and Joanna Cecil for Water Babies Musical UK Limited.