New Musical Adaptation of David Baddiel’s The Parent Agency to Premiere at Storyhouse in 2025

A fresh adaptation of comedian and author David Baddiel’s best-selling children’s book, The Parent Agency, is set to make its stage debut as a musical early next year. Produced by John Berry and Anthony Lilley of Scenario Two, the production will run from 15 February to 2 March 2025 at Storyhouse Chester, with a gala night scheduled for 19 February.

The musical will feature new music and additional lyrics by Dan Gillespie-Sells, well-known for his work on the acclaimed West End production Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Directed by Tim Jackson, The Parent Agency – The Musical brings Baddiel’s popular children’s tale of a young boy’s whimsical journey to a new family to life on stage.

For those unfamiliar with the story, The Parent Agency follows eleven-year-old Barry Bennett, who, frustrated with his parents and his name, finds himself in an alternate world called Youngdon in the “United Kid-dom.” Here, children get to select their ideal parents, leading Barry on a humorous and enlightening adventure as he navigates the complexities of parental expectations and his own desires.

First published in 2014, The Parent Agency has resonated with children and families alike, selling over 355,000 copies worldwide and being translated into 30 languages. The book has even won the Laugh Out Loud Award for its comedic exploration of family dynamics. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the story’s release, celebrated with a special edition that includes bonus chapters.

David Baddiel expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “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.”

Gillespie-Sells, lead singer of The Feeling and an award-winning composer, is well-known for his crossover success in musical theatre. His previous musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie garnered multiple Olivier nominations, led to an international tour, and was adapted into an Amazon Original film. Commenting on his involvement in The Parent Agency, Gillespie-Sells said, “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 into the rehearsal room alongside a wonderful creative team to help bring this story to life.”

Director Tim Jackson, known for his work on Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York), is also looking forward to the production. “There’s something magical about taking a story that kids and families already love and finding new ways to tell it on stage,” he shared. “I’m looking forward to working alongside David and Dan to turn this wonderful world into a theatrical experience that feels fresh and playful for audiences in Chester and beyond.”

Joining the creative team are Carrie-Anne Ingrouille as choreographer (whose credits include SIX and Dear Evan Hansen), costume designer Sarah Mercadé, and lighting designer Zoe Spurr. Casting will be managed by Jill Green and Amy Beadel of the Casting Directors’ Guild.

Tickets for The Parent Agency – The Musical go on sale Friday, 1 November 2024, with an exclusive pre-sale for Storyhouse members starting Monday, 28 November. With a story that appeals to all ages, this new production is expected to be a lively and heartfelt addition to the UK’s musical theatre scene.