A new indie musical is set to visit Storyhouse this autumn as part of its world premiere UK tour.

Set on New Year's Eve 1997 in Manchester, How Soon is Now? follows three young women - Polly, Angie and Jean - as they navigate a night of celebration and change.

Against the backdrop of New Labour, the approaching new millennium and the vibrant 1990s indie music scene, the musical explores themes of identity and female friendship.

Featuring a live soundtrack of iconic songs by artists including The Stone Roses, Radiohead and The Smiths, the production celebrates Northern voices while exploring whether its characters can find hope and a sense of self during a period of significant social and personal change.

Acclaimed playwright Siân Owen's How Soon is Now? arrives at Storyhouse on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 October 2026.

Bethan McLean plays Welsh outsider Jean, joined by Kaitlyn Akinpelumi as life of the party Angie, and LIPA graduate Laura Robinson, making her professional acting debut, as the compassionate Polly.

Adam Quayle, artistic director of Box of Tricks, 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."

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Playwright Siân Owen added: "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."

Tickets and further information are available here.