Full casting has been confirmed for the world premiere of award-winning stage and screen writer Tim Firth’s new musical Now Is Good at Storyhouse in Chester.
As previously announced, television and theatre favourite Michele Dotrice (Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, The Girls, Phoenix Theatre) will feature in the cast. She will be joined by stage and screen veteran Jeff Rawle (Saint George and the Dragon, National Theatre, Drop The Dead Donkey ), Bruce Montague (Butterflies, Funny Girl, Savoy Theatre), Elizabeth Counsell (Jean Seberg, National Theatre, Brush Strokes), Cheshire-born actor Chris Hannon (My White Best Friend, Eclipse Theatre, Coronation Street) and Alyce Liburd (Rita, Sue and Bob Too, Out of Joint, Scribbles, Oldham Coliseum).
Commenting on the casting of his fifth musical, 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.”
Directed by Joyce Branagh (The Sunshine Boys, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning) and arranged by George Francis (Amelie the Musical, Watermill Theatre/UK tour/West End), the musical comedy will make its debut at Storyhouse from 11-28 May 2022.
Discussing the inspiration for his latest work, Firth whose genre credits include The Girls, Kinky Boots and The Band 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.”
Storyhouse producer Helen Redcliffe added: “We’re very excited to be working with Tim Firth to stage this fantastic new musical for Storyhouse audiences.
“Now Is Good is a beautiful, tender and feelgood show which is filled with Tim’s trademark wit, humour and humanity as well as some fantastic melodies. We can promise it will be a magical experience.”
Angela Thomas
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