Based on the DuBose Heyward novel, Porgy and Bess tells the moving story of the cripple Porgy and the residents of Charleston's famed Catfish Row. Recognized as an American masterpiece, the story entwines pride, prejudice, pathos and passion through a jazz and blues influenced score. Porgy and Bess introduced classic Gershwin songs like "Summertime," "I Got Plenty of Nuttin'" and "It Ain't Necessarily So," as well as magnificent and enthralling choruses that stunned music and drama critics alike at its premiere in 1935.

This is the world premiere of a new £3 million musical production, which has been adapted and re-worked from an opera into a 2½ hour musical by Trevor Nunn, who also directs. The music has been specially adapted by Gareth Valentine.