Manchester indie musical premiere

Manchester-based, award-winning theatre company Box of Tricks will premiere new indie musical How Soon is Now?, by playwright Sian Owen, at Salford's Lowry (October 1-3) before a UK tour.

Featuring a live soundtrack of indie anthems from the likes of The Stone Roses, Radiohead and The Smiths, it recreates the highs and lows, darkness and light of a big night out.

It’s New Year’s Eve, 1997, in Manchester. Three girls are on the dance floor. Polly and Angie are up for a big night. Jean is lost and alone. Change is in the air - New Labour, New Year, a new millennium on the way. After decades of grey, this should be their time. But as darkness falls and midnight arrives, will they find their light..?

Box of Tricks is dedicated to bringing original voices to theatres nationwide with stories that aim to inspire and entertain. 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.”

Writer Sian added: "I want audiences to feel like they've walked into the middle of a night club, 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."

Other northern dates are: Chester Storyhouse (October 6-7); Dukes, Lancaster (October 8-10); Theatre Royal, Wakefield (October 12-13); Loading Bay, Bradford (October 15-16); Sheffield Playhouse (November 4-5), and Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough (November 6-7).

More info and tickets here