New 1990s Manchester musical How Soon Is Now? to tour

A new musical by Siân Owen will tour later this year.

Presented by Box of Tricks, How Soon is Now? follows three women, Polly, Angie and Jean, on New Year’s Eve in 1997, Manchester. It will feature a soundtrack of music from the era, including The Stone Roses, Radiohead and The Smiths, celebrating club culture as well as female friendship. Vidar Norheim is the musical director.

Writer, 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.”

Adam Quayle, artistic director of Box of Tricks, will direct. He added: “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. At a time when midscale touring faces increasing challenges, it means more than ever to share our biggest, boldest production to date with audiences across the country.”

The new musical will have its world premiere at Lowry, Salford, from 1 to 3 October. It will then visit Chester (6 to 7 October), Lancaster (8 to 10 October), Wakefield (12 to 13 October), Bradford (15 to 16 October), Exeter (21 October), Bristol (22 to 24 October), Stockton (27 to 28 October), Ipswich (30 to 31 October), Sheffield (4 to 5 November), and Scarborough (6 to 7 November). Further dates are to be confirmed. 

Casting and creative team is to be announced at a later date.