Check in for a Bennett classic

The Grand Babylon Hotel gets world stage premiere

- Sentinel Reporter

A THRILLER by Stoke-on-Trent-born author Arnold Bennett's is being unveiled on stage for the first time this week.

The Grand Babylon Hotel blends a story of high society and fast-paced mystery with satire, espionage and comedy.

It has been produced by the New Vic in association with Claybody Theatre and starts on Saturday.

Bennett's story has been adapted by award-winning playwright Deborah McAndrew and will be directed by UK Theatre Award Best Director nominee Conrad Nelson.

Here we speak to actors Michael Hugo, who will be playing Detective Marshall and Prince Eugen of Posen, and Shelley Atkinson, who plays Miss Spencer (AKA Baroness Zerlinski) and Nanny Heidi to find out more about the production.

How are rehearsals going?

Shelley Atkinson: They're going great, there’s lots of physical work, lots of learning of routines.

Michael Hugo: And experiencing how things are being built together feels mosaic, which is all so helpful.

Shelley: Yes, there’s this beautiful element of live and co-creation happening in the space - all the moving parts such as the choreography, costume and music are making decisions about the best way to accommodate the action as it happens.