A funny and poignant new musical by award-winning playwright Tim Firth, Now Is Good, will receive its world premiere at Storyhouse from 11-28 May, with full casting announced today.

The new musical comedy is about the greatest challenges currently facing humanity: how to help your children, where to hide your biscuits… and how to fight loneliness.

When builder Ray and his son Neil embark on a very personal renovation project, it unlocks a bank of memories – and with the arrival of some unexpected help, it also takes an extraordinary turn.

Jeff Rawle (Hollyoaks, Doc Martin) will appear as Ray, alongside Michele Dotrice (Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em) as Ivy. Bruce Montague (The Phantom of the Opera, Butterflies) will play Ted, alongside Alice played by Elizabeth Counsell (Macbeth, Forum Theatre). Ray’s son Neil is played by Coronation Street actor Chris Hannon, and Alyce Liburd (Airplays, West Yorkshire Playhouse) is teacher Katy. 

The new production is directed by Joyce Branagh, with arranger and musical director George Francis. 

Writer and composer Tim Firth said: “It’s a real privilege to see what amounts to British TV comedy royalty coming up to Storyhouse. I’ve grown up watching a lot of their shows and to have them in Chester at all – let alone in something of mine – is beyond anything I could ever have hoped. Alyce and Chris totally blew us away in the auditions – and then to find Chris was virtually related to the play without knowing – well that was the cherry on a very rich cake.”

For more information and to book tickets, please click here.