Storyhouse's acclaimed production of The Gangs of New York is set for a nationwide tour, after receiving funding support from Arts Council England. 

Written by Kieran Lynn and based on Herbert Asbury's 1928 non-fiction book, The Gangs of New York was a huge hit with both audiences and critics when it was premiered at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre in 2024.

Receiving high praise for its infectious energy, it was also noted for its thrilling mixture of raw and gritty historical drama, humour and romance.

Now with the assistance of funding from the Incentivising Touring Scheme, it will be reimagined to be staged indoors, opening at Storyhouse in autumn 2027 - before touring to at least eight locations throughout Britain.

Launched in November 2024, the pilot Arts Council England initiative offers repayable grants to producing companies to enable them to show work through the UK and Ireland.

It is the first scheme of its kind launched by the Arts Council, presenting an innovative new way to support mid and large-scale productions.

The latest round of grants has seen 15 successful applicants, including Storyhouse, share a £2.5m funding pot. 

The Gangs of New York is a bold, entertaining and moving drama about immigration, belonging and the cost of progress.

Set in the violent streets of 1850s New York, the story follows Irish immigrants arriving in America in search of a better life. Met with prejudice, violence and institutional discrimination, they fight to rise against the odds. 

The 2027 production will be a deeper, darker, more intimate, passionate and atmospheric reworking of the original Grosvenor Park experience. 

"After extraordinary success in our open-air theatre, bringing this reimagined production indoors gives us the chance to deepen the storytelling and share it with audiences across the country," said Storyhouse creative director, Suzie Henderson.

"Opening the tour at Storyhouse in 2027 feels especially meaningful, and it reflects a major step in our ambition to make large-scale, original work and share it far beyond our home city."

Other successful shows in the sheme are Operation Mincemeat and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, both of which are set to come to Storyhouse in 2026-27.

Arts Council England chief executive, Darren Henley, said: "This new investment helps people experience world-class theatre and dance close to home.

"The arts strengthen our economy, build a sense of community, support local growth and jobs and, most important of all, enrich lives and spark creativity.

"I'm looking forward to seeing these performances in towns and cities across England."