Pop star sees world premiere of his book staged in Plymouth

The Creakers, opens at Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP) this half term

McFly popstar and children's author Tom Fletcher will see his book The Creakers brought to life on stage for its world premiere in Devon this month.

The Creakers opens at Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP) this half term. The brand-new musical is based on singer-songwriter and best-selling author, Tom’s, smash-hit book The Creakers and is co-produced by Cornwall based Impossible Producing, Smith & Brant Theatricals, Gavin Kalin Productions and TRP.

A theatre spokesman said: "Expect surprises, adventure and rocking new songs by the McFly frontman as the show takes audiences on a topsy turvy journey, underneath the bed, to the land of the Creakers, to discover that it’s often those who are different that make a difference."

Tom Fletcher is the founder of the multi-award-winning British pop band McFly. By the age of 21, Tom had written 10 UK Number 1 singles and has written songs for McFly, One Direction and Busted . He is now a joint coach with Danny Jones on ITVs The Voice .

This week Tom and McFly have been playing the band's 21st birthday performances at the O2 Arena in London.

Tom is also a number one bestselling writer and one of the UK’s most popular children’s authors. His many books include The Christmasaurus series, Danger Gang , Space Band, the Who’s in Your Book series, The Dinosaur that Pooped and Eve of Man.

His books have been translated into 40 languages and have sold over 10 million copies worldwide. The Creakers Musical has 18 original songs which include pop songs, rock, classic musical numbers and epic ballads.

When he joined the cast of The Creakers on their first day of rehearsals, Tom said: “ I’m thrilled that this wonderful group of actors are joining forces to bring the world of The Creakers to life for the stage. Let the magic begin ."

The Creakers was first published in 2017 and re-released in 2024 with over 320,000 copies sold world-wide. Ten songs from The Creakers were released on Spotify in February 2024 and had over 45,000 downloads in four weeks.

The new musical adaptation comes to Plymouth from October 25 to November 2 and is based on the story of Lucy Dungston, who wakes up one morning to discover all the grown-ups in her town of Whiffington have disappeared. While all the other kids are excited by the newfound freedom and the lack of rules, Lucy sets off to find her dad, along with her friends Norman and Ella, and they end up discovering a weirdly world under their beds.

Tickets for this magical musical adventure, with an unforgettable soundtrack, are on sale now at https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/creakers/

To coincide with the world premiere of the brand new stage adaptation Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP) is transforming its first floor front of house into a pop-up children’s library and hosting an array of free activities for children, young people and their families including sensory workshops, writing sessions, performances and story times.

The school holiday fun will take place in the pop-up library, called The Nook, from Monday 28 October – Saturday 2 November. All events are free and bookable via the website with a special grand opening 12pm – 2pm on Monday 28 featuring arts and crafts, The Creakers story time and a special performance.

Throughout the half term, Plymouth Argyle W.F.C. and panto dame and storyteller Mama G will take part in book readings alongside writing workshops for young people with Plymouth Young City Laureate, Frankie Baldry. Other events include a Sensory Workshop for 0-3 years, Creakers crafts, Art and Energy's Mossy Carpet with a performance by Far Flung CIC in conjunction with the Sewcial Guild, a celebration of stories with Fynn Roberts’ The Roaming Librarian, and special Tiny Tales sessions.

Specifically for the evening performance of The Creakers on 31 October, younger audience members are invited to don their spookiest costumes for a fancy dress competition, and then take part in some ‘Trick or Creak-ing’ around the theatre with ushers handing out sweets and treats before the show.

TRP is also taking part in The Halloween Trail together with Plymouth City Centre Company.

TRP Associate Director Malaika Kegode said: “We’re so excited to open our doors to the local community and invite them to join us in our pop-up library throughout the school holidays. It feels important to provide a space in the city that celebrates literature, storytelling and creativity. Discovering a love for these things from a young age is essential for cognitive and societal development, wellbeing - and it’s a lot of fun too!

“The week has a wide range of interactive activities for young people, babies and teenagers. We’re very lucky to be working with artists and practitioners from a range of disciplines and backgrounds, from panto dames to Plymouth Argyle. “We hope you can come along and join us.”

Conceived by international singer-songwriter and best-selling author, Tom Fletcher, The Creakers will debut at TRP from 25 October – 02 November with tickets now on sale.

All the half term events are free and bookable at https://theatreroyal.com/take-part/the-nook/. Tickets for The Creakers show are on sale now at https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/creakers/

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