Boy Swallows Universe to be adapted for the stage

Global Creatures has secured the stage rights to develop a theatrical adaptation of Trent Dalton’s novel Boy Swallows Universe.

The international bestseller, published by Harper Collins Australia, has sold more than a million copies worldwide and been translated into 34 languages. It was previously adapted into a seven-part Netflix series, which attracted 7.6 million views globally in its first two weeks.

Producer and Tony Award winner Carmen Pavlovic said: “Trent Dalton is one of the most dynamic voices in Australian literature and his thrilling debut novel Boy Swallows Universe is one of my favourite books ever. I’m honoured to collaborate with Trent to reimagine his remarkable and deeply personal story for the stage.”

Dalton added: “It’s nothing less than a theatrical dream come true for me to embark on this journey with a global team as profoundly protective of where that story comes from as it is electrified by its creatively boundless and geographically borderless theatrical potential.”

Global Creatures’ previous work includes Moulin Rouge! The Musical, King Kong, Muriel’s Wedding The Musical and Strictly Ballroom The Musical.

Boy Swallows Universe, set in Brisbane in 1985, follows Eli Bell as he navigates a complicated childhood of crime, family struggles and first love. The story of brotherhood and resilience has been described as heartbreaking, joyous and exhilarating.

Further details about the stage production will be announced in due course.