A brand new musical, How Soon is Now?, will premiere at Lowry in Salford from 1 to 3 October 2026 before embarking on a UK tour.
Presented by award-winning company Box of Tricks, the show marks its most ambitious production to date as the company celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Set on New Year’s Eve 1997 in Manchester, the story follows three young women navigating friendship, identity and change during a generation-defining moment.
Featuring a live soundtrack of iconic 90s indie anthems from artists including The Stone Roses, Radiohead and The Smiths, the musical captures the energy of a night out alongside themes of empowerment and hope.
Written by acclaimed playwright Siân Owen, How Soon is Now? brings together Northern voices in a story about finding your place and discovering who you are.
Artistic Director Adam Quayle said, “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.”
Matt Eames, Director of Theatre & Performance at Lowry, added: “Box of Tricks holds a unique place in the Northern ecology and their work with writers has become increasingly important in such a challenging context for producing new work.”
Writer 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.”
Following its premiere, the production will tour venues including Chester, Lancaster, Wakefield, Bradford, Exeter, Bristol, Stockton, Ipswich, Sheffield and Scarborough.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
