Cast News: How Soon Is Now

18-04-26

A brand new musical powered by the sound of 90s indie is heading to Salford, with the full cast now confirmed for the world premiere of How Soon is Now?.

Written by award-winning playwright Siân Owen, the new musical opens at Lowry’s Quays Theatre from 1 to 3 October before embarking on a UK tour.

Bethan McLean, whose credits include BBC’s The One That Got Away, will play Jean, a Welsh outsider who finds herself in a Manchester nightclub on New Year’s Eve 1997.

There she meets Angie, played by Kaitlyn Akinpelumi, known for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and Polly, played by recent LIPA graduate Laura Robinson in her professional debut.

Darragh Cowley, previously seen in Standing at the Sky’s Edge at the National Theatre and Spring Awakening at Hope Mill Theatre, takes on the role of DJ Spin Jim. Acting as the night’s master of ceremonies, the character helps blur the lines between memory, fantasy and reality.

Actor-musicians Theo Woolford and LJ Willow complete the company, with Woolford playing Jean’s controlling boyfriend Carl.

Set against the backdrop of New Year’s Eve 1997, How Soon is Now? follows three women as Manchester prepares to welcome a new year and a rapidly changing Britain. Polly and Angie are ready for a huge night out, while Jean arrives feeling isolated and unsure of where she belongs.

Featuring a live soundtrack of 90s indie anthems from artists including The Stone Roses, Radiohead and The Smiths, the production explores friendship, identity and the moments that can change the course of a life.

Director and Box of Tricks Artistic Director Adam Quayle said the show promises to be “an all-singing, all-dancing theatrical experience”, describing the cast as a company of powerful singers and multi-instrumentalist actor-musicians.

Writer Siân Owen said she wants audiences to feel as though they have stepped straight into the middle of a nightclub, surrounded by “laughter, heartbreak, music and magic”.

She added that the show is ultimately a love song to “music, friendship, courage” and finding hope together.

The production is directed by Quayle, with design by Hannah Sibai, musical direction by Vidar Norheim and movement direction by Chris Brown.

Following its Salford premiere, How Soon is Now? will tour to Bradford, Bristol, Chester, Exeter, Ipswich, Lancaster, Scarborough, Sheffield, Stockton and Wakefield.

How Soon is Now? plays Lowry’s Quays Theatre from 1 to 3 October 2026. Tickets are on sale now.

Visit the official site HERE