Menier Chocolate Factory to stage new production of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole musical

A new production of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ is to open at the Menier Chocolate Factory this year.

The show, which is based on Sue Townsend's bestselling book about a boy from Leicester, will run from 14 July to 9 September.

Luke Sheppard (In the Heights) will direct the piece, which has a book and lyrics from Jake Brunger and music and lyrics from Pippa Cleary.

The production is staged to mark Adrian Mole's 50th birthday. The story tells of a young Adrian Mole and his adolescent years in Leicester as he deals with dysfunctional parents, the school bully and spots.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ originally opened as a musical at the Curve in Leicester in 2015, also directed by Sheppard. This production will be a new staging.

Rebecca Howell will choreograph the piece, which will have set and costume from Tom Rogers, lighting from Howard Hudson, sound design from Gregory Clarke, musical direction from Alex Parker and orchestrations from Paul Herbert.

Casting will be announced in due course.

Townsend's first book sold 20 million copies worldwide and prompted a series which followed her protagonist throughout his life. Townsend died in 2014.

The Secret Life of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory from 26 July to 9 September with previews from 14 July.