Depeche Mode musical cancelled

A musical inspired by Depeche Mode songs and produced by Unifaun Theatre has been cancelled after it was publicised in the media.

Artistic director Adrian Buckle was tight-lipped about the cancellation a few days after he gave an enthusiastic interview to The Times, claiming a situation beyond his control had developed.

The dates and the venue for the musical, Playing The Angel, taken from Depeche Mode's 2005 album, had already been established and the production had already expressed the intention to take it to overseas festivals.

But playing down the change of plans, Mr Buckle said it was not the first time he had cancelled and postponed projects when he saw the timing was not right.

Unifaun is known for pushing the boundaries of local theatre and the upcoming musical would have been no different.

Mr Buckle, who had gained notoriety after Stitching, a play he was producing, was banned last year, unexpectedly received "great attention" from overseas when the Depeche Mode project hit the internet and he said he was "not comfortable being in the limelight".

The project was "inspired" by Depeche Mode music but was interpreted by international websites as a Depeche Mode musical and an official production of the Essex band, he explained.

"This put me off. I am not doing that sort of thing and I do not want that kind of attention. I do not feel it is the right time to do it."