How Soon is Now? will be performed at Storyhouse on Tuesday, October 6, and Wednesday, October 7, 2026, as part of a world premiere UK tour.
Written by award-winning playwright Siân Owen and presented by Manchester-based theatre company Box of Tricks, the show promises a heartfelt, music-filled night of theatre.
Adam Quayle, artistic director of Box of Tricks, said: “I’m so excited to be working with this company to bring How Soon is Now? to life.
“With some serious talent in the room – actors with incredible voices, multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist actor-musicians – this promises to be an all-singing, all-dancing theatrical experience.
“Total theatre.
“Ten years in the making, How Soon is Now? is an electric story of female friendship and empowerment, driven by a live soundtrack of iconic indie classics.
“A reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is a light that never goes out.”
Set on New Year’s Eve in 1997, the story follows three young women in a Manchester nightclub as the promise of a new era hangs in the air.
The show explores themes of friendship, identity, and hope against a backdrop of 90s indie anthems from bands like The Stone Roses, Radiohead, and The Smiths.
Bethan McLean stars as Jean, with Kaitlyn Akinpelumi as Angie and Laura Robinson, a Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts graduate, making her professional debut as Polly.
The cast also includes Darren Cowley as DJ Spin Jim, Theo Woolford as Carl, and L J Willow.
Actor-musician Darren Cowley plays DJ Spin Jim, who guides the night with a mix of music and mischief, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy on stage.
Ms Owen said: “I want audiences to feel like they’ve walked into the middle of a nightclub where a story is unfolding around them, full of laughter, heartbreak, music and magic.
“But above all, I hope people leave feeling lighter than when they arrived.
“It’s really a love song to music, friendship, courage and remembering that together we can all find glimmers of hope.”
The production is directed by Adam Quayle and features design by Hannah Sibai, musical direction by Vidar Norheim, and movement by Chris Brown.
Tickets £23.50 / £21.30 for Storyhouse Members. Concessions £16.50/£15 for Storyhouse Members.
Further information and bookings are available at www.storyhouse.com.