The world premiere of a funny, poignant and heartfelt new musical from award-winning stage and screen writer Tim Firth, Now Is Good, will play at Chester’s Storyhouse from 11-28 May this year.

The musical will be directed by Joyce Branagh and arranged by George Francis, and stars Michele Dotrice (Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, A Very English Scandal). 

Now is Good is a musical comedy 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.  

Now is Good is Firth’s fifth musical. He said: “I like to think that shows pick their own titles. I stumbled on a phrase during my first chat with Storyhouse. 

“In the intervening years, with the world seemingly on a different planet, I found myself writing a comic musical about combatting loneliness. Not only that; apart from having live tigers on stage, it’s a story that involves one of the riskiest things ever attempted in a theatre. 

“But we mustn’t lose our willingness to take risks in order to have fun. Life’s too short. Now is good. The title is having its day.”

Tickets will go on sale on 2 February to Storyhouse members, and go on general sale on 4 February here.