On its 2001 debut, Captain Corelli's Mandolin sparked a love affair with movie lovers who fell over heels for its scenery, as much as its story and stars, and rushed off in their hordes to book holidays to the beautiful Greek island of Kefalonia where it was filmed.
The film's seductive setting and bittersweet love story between Italian soldier Morelli, played by Nicolas Cage, and feisty Pelagia (Penélope Cruz) made it a hit and more famous than the book upon which it was - not entirely faithfully - based.
The novel won prestigious awards for its author Louis de Bernières following its publication in 1994 and has now inspired a new play which is to have its world premiere this spring to coincide with the book's 25-year anniversary.
And Newcastle audiences will be among the first to see it as the play's tour will include a week-long run in the city following its opening in Leicester in April.
It will run at the Theatre Royal from May 21-25, with the lead roles played by stage, TV and film actors Alex Mugnaioni and Madison Clare.
This is the first major stage adaptation of the tale which is set during the Second World War at a time the Greek island home of Pelagia and her doctor father - played by John Hurt in the film - is under Italian and German occupation.
The film version also featured Christian Bale as Pelagia's fiance Mandras.
The roles of the doctor and fiance are played in the new production by Ashley Gayle and Joseph Long.
It is directed by Oliver and Tony Award-nominee Melly Still whose previous stage success include The Lovely Bones.
To book tickets to see it at the Theatre Royal see here .
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