Victorian Opera have partnered with The Royal Opera House to mount a new work by British composer Mark-Anthony Turnage. Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s popular children’s novella Coraline, the co-production will be seen in 2018 at the Barbican Theatre, London, before its Australian premiere as part of Victorian Opera’s 2019 season.

Coraline marks Victorian Opera’s first co-production in Europe; as well as London, the production will be seen at Opéra de Lille, France, and Theatre Freiburg, Germany.

“I’m excited to announce Victorian Opera’s first co-production with The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden,” Victorian Opera’s Managing Director Andrew Snell said. “As Victorian Opera continues to position itself internationally, we are delighted to work with one of the world’s most esteemed opera companies.”

“Coraline reflects Victorian Opera’s commitment to staging new works and presenting works for children and families. Drawing from Gaiman’s vibrant story and boasting of one of the world’s most talented composers at the helm, Mark-Anthony Turnage, this opera promises to be a very exciting new work,” he said.

Turnage, a leading opera composer, is acclaimed for works including Greek, Country of the Blind, The Silver Tassie, and more recently, Anna Nicole, his first Covent Garden commission. He is the latest artist to have been inspired by Gaiman’s cherished tale of a young girl who finds a new world in her home – Coraline has seen a number of adaptations across different mediums, including a graphic novel, animated film, video game and musical.

In recent years, Victorian Opera has sought to strengthen its ties to international opera houses, becoming the first Australian company to join Opera Europa, an organisation that connects opera companies and festivals throughout Europe. Coraline is Victorian Opera’s second international co-production, following Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street with New Zealand Opera in 2015.