Box of Tricks’ new musical How Soon is Now? will visit Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre on 6 and 7 November as part of its national tour.
Set on New Year’s Eve 1997 in Manchester, the musical follows three young women whose lives intersect during a night of music, friendship and self-discovery as the country stands on the brink of a new millennium.
Against a backdrop of New Labour optimism and changing times, Polly and Angie head out expecting a big night, while Jean finds herself lost and alone. As midnight approaches, the story explores whether they can find hope, purpose and connection amid the uncertainty.
Written by award-winning playwright Siân Owen, How Soon is Now? celebrates Northern voices through a live soundtrack packed with some of the most recognisable indie tracks of the 1990s, featuring music associated with bands including The Stone Roses, Radiohead and The Smiths.
The world premiere production stars Bethan McLean, Kaitlyn Akinpelumi, Laura Robinson, Darragh Cowley, Theo Woolford and LJ Willow.
Presented by Manchester-based theatre company Box of Tricks, the production is directed by Adam Quayle, with design by Hannah Sibai, musical direction by Vidar Norheim, lighting by KJ and movement direction by Chris Brown.
Adam Quayle said: “I’m so excited about 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.”
Siân 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.
“Filled with heart, humour and hope, How Soon is Now? captures the magic of those nights that change us forever. An uplifting new musical about finding your tribe, it reminds us that even in our most difficult moments, these connections can bring light and hope to even the darkest of times.”
The production will be performed at 7.30pm on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November at the Stephen Joseph Theatre.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
