A NEW adaptation of a classic fairytale penned by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy will get its world premiere in the North-East tomorrow (October 18).

Ms Duffy’s version of the Brothers Grimm fairytale Rapunzel has been turned into a stage production by Newcastle-based Ballet Lorent and will premiere at the Gala Theatre, in Durham, as part of the 22nd Durham Book Festival before beginning a nationwide tour ending in London in April.

Liv Lorent, artistic director of Ballet Lorent, said: “Carol Ann has done a fantastic interpretation which is true to its fairytale origins but also very contemporary. It works for audiences of all ages.”

Claire Malcolm, chief executive of New Writing North – the festival organisers, said: “It’s amazing to have Carol Ann involved. We’ve always tried to make the festival unique and different and new commissioning opportunities are a very important part of that.”

There will be performances of Rapunzel at 8pm tomorrow, Friday and Saturday and at 1.30pm on Saturday. The show lasts two hours. Tickets are priced £6 to £18.

The Poet Laureate will also appear at An Evening with Carol Ann Duffy at the Gala Theatre tomorrow night at 6.30pm. Tickets are £12 and £8.

The 22nd Durham Book Festival began last weekend and continues until Tuesday, October 30. Speakers include crime writers PD James and Ian Rankin, poet Roger McGough, journalists Nick Robinson and Gavin Esler, comedian Ben Miller and politicians Jack Straw and Chris Mullin.

For full listings, visit durhambookfestival.com