Storyhouse to host premiere of David Baddiel's The Parent Agency musical

A new musical based on David Baddiel’s bestselling children’s book The Parent Agency will receive its world premiere at Chester Storyhouse next spring.

The show, which has music by The Feeling’s Dan Gillespie Sells – the multi-award-winning composer of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – will be staged from February 15 to March 2.

Tickets go on general sale this Friday, November 1.

Meanwhile Baddiel himself will be on the main stage at the Chester venue this Saturday, celebrating his hit novel’s 10th anniversary as part of the Storyhouse WayWord Festival for young booklovers.

Described as a brilliantly funny and gripping wish-fulfilment story, The Parent Agency is the tale of 11-year-old Barry Bennett who hates his name. In fact, it’s top of the list of things he blames his parents Susan and Geoff for.

Barry makes a wish for a better mum and dad and is whisked away to Youngdon in the United Kid-dom, an alternative universe where kids get to pick out their perfect parents with the assistance of the eponymous agency.

For Barry this seems like a wish come true, but he soon comes to realise that choosing a new mum or dad isn’t quite as simple as it sounds.

The musical’s book and lyrics have been penned by Baddiel and the production will be directed by Tim Jackson (Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) musical) while choreography comes from Carrie-Anne Ingrouille (SIX the musical and Dear Evan Hansen)

Baddiel says: “I’m so happy 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.”

The Parent Agency – The Musical is at Chester Storyhouse from February 15 to March 2, 2025. Tickets from November 1 HERE