It has been announced that the best-selling book The Parent Agency, by comedian and author David Baddiel, will be brought to the stage at Storyhouse Chester from 15 February-2 March 2025, in a brand-new musical with music and additional lyrics by Dan Gillespie Sells.

The Parent Agency - The Musical will appeal to anyone who is, or has been, a child. And also, to anyone who is, or has had, at least one parent. And definitely, to anyone who wishes they weren’t called Barry.

Eleven-year-old Barry Bennett hates his name. In fact, it's number one on the list of things he blames his parents (Susan and Geoff) for along with "being boring, never buying him cool stuff, being tired all the time and being too strict”. So, he makes a wish for a better mum and dad and finds himself whisked away to Youngdon in the 'United Kid-dom’, an alternate universe where kids get to pick out their perfect parents with the assistance of the staff of the eponymous Parent Agency.

For Barry, this seems like a dream come true, although he soon learns that choosing a new mum and dad isn’t as simple as it sounds...

2024 marks the 10th anniversary of David Baddiel’s much-loved, the-grass-is-always-greener, debut adventure, which has sold over 355,000 copies worldwide.

Joining David and Dan on the creative team are director Tim Jackson, choreographer Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, costume designer Sarah Mercadé, lighting designer Zoe Spurr, and casting by Jill Green CDG and Amy Beadel CDG.

David Baddiel said: “I’m so happy that my first children’s book The Parent Agency is going to be made into a musical. It’s a book that kids tell me they love, including now young adults who first read it years ago. It takes a very real child on a very magical journey that seems to really suit big musical moments - and these have been brilliantly provided by the genius that is Dan Gillespie Sells, who’s been a total joy to work with.”

Dan Gillespie Sells continued: “I’m so excited to be working with David Baddiel on this brand new musical, I’ve always been a fan of his and I can’t wait to get in to the rehearsal room alongside a wonderful creative team to help bring this story to life.”

Tickets go on sale on 1 November at www.storyhouse.com.