New Vic Theatre production in association with Claybody Theatre
By Arnold Bennett
Adapted for the stage by Deborah McAndrew
Directed by Conrad Nelson
Nella Racksole wants steak and beer for her birthday treat, but these are not on the menu of the exclusive Grand Babylon Hotel – so her American Railroad Millionaire father obligingly buys the chef… the kitchen… the entire hotel.
However, The Grand Babylon is not all it seems, and Theodore Racksole soon discovers there’s more than a juicy steak on his plate – with kidnapping and murder for starters!
Have Theodore and Nella bitten off more than they can chew?
The Grand Babylon Hotel is a rollicking comedy thriller, with a virtuoso cast of five bringing you many faces, chases, glamour, intrigue, and a couple of German princes thrown in for good measure.
A riotous evening out!
You can listen to the Audio Description introduction for The Grand Babylon Hotel here.
Saturday 13 September–Saturday 4 October 2025
Dates & Times
Cast & Creatives
Trailer
Photo Gallery
Grand_Babylon image 1
Reviews
"Enjoyably madcap adaptation..."
— Matt Barton, The Stage
"one of the most amusing plays I have seen in a long time..."
— HitMix Local News, The HitMix
"This fun-filled, whirlwind of mayhem and chaos does not fail to delight..."
— Mel Osborne, Babababoon
"The Grand Babylon Hotel is infernally captivating and brilliant throughout ..."
— Chris Eldon-Lee, What's On Live
"flawless and delivers almost everything one could hope for in a comedy thriller..."
— David Bithell, A View To A Kiln
"Absolutely brilliant, clever, fast moving and hilarious..."
— Stoke Is Where The Heart Is
"a great night out..."
— Chris Wallis, Northern Soul
"a rollocking caper..."
— On In My City
"pure comedy genius..."
— Yeahlifestyle, Yeah Lifestyle
"a must see play that had the audience rolling in the aisles..."
— Dave Stringer, Moorlands Radio
"The slapstick humour and visual comedy are excellent..."
— Steve Orme, British Theatre Guide
"A thoroughly entertaining show..."
— SOT Live
"glittering entertainment..."
— John Hargreaves, Market Drayton Advertiser
"a perfect way to pay tribute to Bennett’s local legacy..."
— Beff Shuff, Beff Shuff
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