What unforeseen circumstances led to the cancellation of the UK tour of Let The Right One In? When was the tour originally supposed to start and end? How does the play relate to the original novel and its film adaptations? What other works has Jack Thorne been involved in that showcase his storytelling style? What was the critical response to the original debut of the play in 2013?
The UK tour of the play Let The Right One In, penned by Jack Thorne, has been cancelled due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
BBC News reports that the production, based on the best-selling Swedish novel and hit film by John Ajvide Lindqvist, was due to begin its UK tour in October 2025 and run until April of next year. This follows its previous successful run in Manchester.
However, this weekend it quotes a spokesperson saying: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the UK tour of Let The Right One In is no longer able to proceed as planned.”
The film of Let The Right One In was released in 2008 in its original Swedish. Its success inspired a US version to be made in 2010 starring Chloe Grace Moretz and Kodi Smit-McPhee as the couple of solitary teenagers – one a vampire – who strike up an unlikely but soothing friendship.
Thorne was the co-creator of Adolescence, the four-part Netflix hit fictional drama about a family broken when their teenage son is charged with the stabbing of a schoolmate. The drama, with each episode filmed in a single shot, was co-created by Stephen Graham (Boardwalk Empire) who also stars.
Thorne also wrote Toxic Town, also streamed by Netflix, telling the real-life story of the Corby case that occurred in the 1980s and ‘90s, when numerous children were born with birth defects after a toxic waste site was established near the town in Northamptonshire, UK.
The play Let The Right One In originally debuted in 2013. Thorne collaborated with producer John Tiffany OBE, heralding a creative partnership that culminated in bringing to stage Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in 2016.
Jack Thorne’s adaptation of “Let The Right One In,” originally based on the novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist and later transformed into a celebrated film, has captivated audiences with its eerie blend of horror and tenderness. However, recent developments regarding the UK tour of this acclaimed stage production have left fans disappointed, as the tour has been officially canceled.
### Background of the Production
“Let The Right One In” tells the haunting story of a young boy named Oskar who, feeling isolated and bullied, befriends Eli, a mysterious girl who exhibits peculiar traits hinting at her vampiric nature. Thorne’s adaptation has received critical acclaim for its innovative staging and deep emotional resonance. The play intricately explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and the primal nature of human needs. Its unique narrative, combined with Thorne’s powerful writing, made it a highly-anticipated event on the UK theater circuit.
### Reasons for Cancellation
While specific reasons for the cancellation have not been fully disclosed, industry insiders speculate that a combination of logistical challenges and financial realities tied to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic likely played a significant role. Theatrical productions face complex challenges in the post-pandemic landscape, including shifting audience habits and heightened operational costs. Moreover, Thorne’s works, while critically lauded, often require substantial investment in terms of set design and production quality, making them particularly vulnerable to financial constraints.
### Reactions from Fans and Creatives
The announcement of the cancellation has led to a wave of disappointment among theater enthusiasts. Many fans were eagerly awaiting the opportunity to experience Thorne’s haunting narrative live, especially in the context of contemporary societal anxieties and the lingering impacts of the pandemic. Social media platforms saw an outpouring of frustration, with many calling for future rescheduling and expressing hope that the project might find its way back to the stage.
From Thorne’s perspective, the cancellation is undoubtedly a setback. The playwright, known for his ability to infuse depth and nuance into his characters, has a strong connection to the themes presented in “Let The Right One In.” His previous works, such as “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” and “This Is England,” demonstrate his command over narrative complexity and emotional engagement. Losing a project that resonates personally can be disheartening for any writer, particularly one as dedicated to storytelling as Thorne.
### Challenges Facing the Theatre Industry
The cancellation highlights broader issues within the theatre industry as it continues to adapt to a post-pandemic world. Many productions have faced cancellation or postponement due to renewed concerns about variant outbreaks or governmental restrictions. This uncertainty has left audiences hesitant, with many opting to stay home rather than brave crowded venues. As a result, theaters are grappling with dwindling ticket sales and the challenge of drawing back audiences who’ve become accustomed to at-home entertainment options.
In response, some theaters have sought innovative ways to engage audiences, including hybrid models that combine digital performances with limited in-person attendance. While these adaptations offer a potential path forward, they also reflect the uncertain landscape in which the arts must navigate. Thorne’s “Let The Right One In” was poised to be a significant commentary on themes of connection in an age marked by disconnection and fear, making its cancellation even more poignant.
### Looking Ahead: Hope for the Future
While the cancellation of the UK tour is undoubtedly a blow, there is still hope. The theater world is known for its resilience and ability to reinvent itself in the face of adversity. With many productions gradually returning to the stage, there is a growing sentiment that audiences will once again crave the communal experience that live theater provides.
For Jack Thorne, the cancellation may serve as a moment for reflection and future creative exploration. His ability to pivot and adapt in varying contexts has marked many of his previous works with a distinctive flair. Fans and critics alike await news of his next endeavors, hopeful that he will continue to deliver stories that resonate deeply with contemporary issues.
### Conclusion
The cancellation of Jack Thorne’s “Let The Right One In” UK tour is a significant moment in a season that has already been tumultuous for the theatre industry. Fans of the production are left yearning for an opportunity to see how Thorne has interpreted this beloved story on stage. While the cancellation underscores numerous challenges facing the artistic community, it also serves as a reminder of the unique power of storytelling and the enduring human desire for connection—elements that Thorne masterfully brings to life. As the theatre world begins to heal and adapt, there remains a collective hope that productions like this will one day find their way back to the audience, reigniting the magic of live performances.
Jack Thorne’s stage adaptation of "Let The Right One In," based on the Swedish novel and film by John Ajvide Lindqvist, has been a notable success in the UK. The production premiered at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre in 2022, receiving critical acclaim for its chilling and atmospheric portrayal of the story. (theguardian.com)
Following its success in Manchester, the play was scheduled for a UK tour in 2025. The tour was set to begin at Northampton’s Royal and Derngate on October 16, 2025, and visit several other cities across the UK, including Bromley, Bristol, Salford, Fareham, Cardiff, Southend, Eastbourne, Glasgow, Birmingham, and Liverpool. (londontheatrenews.co.uk)
However, as of May 2025, there have been no public announcements regarding the cancellation of this tour. The production has been well-received in various venues, including a sold-out run at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. (royalexchange.co.uk)
Given the positive reception and the planned tour dates, it appears that the UK tour of "Let The Right One In" is proceeding as scheduled. For the most current information, it’s advisable to check official theatre websites or contact the venues directly.