The Parent Agency at Storyhouse

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

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The Parent Agency

Storyhouse, Chester
15 February-2 March 2025

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

The Parent Agency at Storyhouse
Image courtesy of Storyhouse. TPA - ProdPhoto 1 – photo supplied by the production
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David Baddiel’s best-selling children’s book – The Parent Agency – is brought to Storyhouse’s stage in a brand-new musical.

This exciting new British musical sees the much-loved author and comedian team up with one of the country’s greatest singer-songwriters, Dan Gillespie-Sells, best-known as frontman of The Feeling and creator of the music for sell-out musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Riotous, fun-packed and a huge adventure for all ages, this is a Storyhouse world premiere everyone’s looking forward to.

The Parent Agency at Storyhouse
Image courtesy of David Baddiel/ Storyhouse

Directed by Tim Jackson, this exciting new musical focuses on the life of 11-year-old Barry Bennett who is sick of his parents and despises his name. Alongside “being boring, never buying him cool stuff, being tired all the time and being too strict”, his name is the number one thing he blames his parents, Susan and Geoff, for.

When Barry wishes for a better mum and dad, the story takes a wonderfully bold and fantastical turn. Barry finds himself transported to an alternate universe – the United Kid-dom – where the kids get to select their own parents with the special assistance of staff at the Parent Agency. It’s like a dream come true…until Barry realises that choosing a new mum and dad is a lot harder than it sounds.

This show is a must-see for anyone who is (or has been) a child; for anyone who is (or has had) at least one parent/ caregiver, and definitely, for anyone who wishes they weren’t called Barry. Witty, enlightening and charmingly outlandish, this show is for everybody.

David Baddiel’s award-winning debut novel – The Parent Agency – celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024 and has sold over 355,000 copies worldwide to date. With a collection of critically acclaimed children’s books under his belt, Baddiel has won some of the highest accolades in children’s literature – including the Scholastic UK’s Laugh Out Loud Award for The Parent Agency. We’re thrilled that this hilarious family musical springs to life on Storyhouse’s stage.

Of the musical, David Baddiel told us, “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.”

Set to receive a West End transfer, The Parent Agency is a hot ticket for 2025. Get booked in now and be one of the first to see this phenomenal show in Chester.

The Parent Agency at Storyhouse
Image courtesy of Storyhouse

Accessibility

  • Audio Described
  • British Sign Language

Where to go near The Parent Agency at Storyhouse

Chester
Gallery
Chester Visual Arts

Chester Visual Arts has brought pop-up exhibitions to Chester’s most iconic buildings, including The Old Library and Chester Cathedral.

Chester
Chester
Tourist Attraction
Chester Visitor Information Centre

This is the meeting point for Tours Around Chester who offer a variety of tours ranging from food walking, running and themed running (including beer or gin).

The Cheese Shop, Chester
Chester
Shop
The Cheese Shop

The Cheese Shop has been a source of speciality cheeses in Chester for 25 years and has over 200 different cow, goat and ewe cheeses available -including pasteurised, unpasteurised and vegetarian varieties.

Covino Restaurant, Chester
Chester
Restaurant
Covino

Covino is a small owner-run wine bar & restaurant in the heart of Chester. They serve an ever-changing menu of seasonally inspired small plates, guided by the quality and provenance of ingredients, with a real focus on simplicity and flavour.

Chester Indoor Market
Chester
Shopping Centre
Chester Indoor Market

Recipient of the Best Small Indoor Market at The Great British Market Awards 2020, Chester Market offers foods from around the world.

Chester
Event venue
Alexander’s Live

Established in 1991, Alexander’s puts on an amazing range of live music including jazz, blues, soul, roots and rock, comedy & drama. Alexander’s is famous for the alternative comedy nights every Saturday.

Hypha restaurant, Chester
Chester
Restaurant
Hypha

Hypha was Chester’s first plant-based restaurant and has gone on to earn high praise with eco-conscious foodies across the North.

Chester Cathedral
Chester
Place of worship
Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral is a living community of prayer and worship, and a centre of excellence in Church Music with a rich and fascinating heritage.

The Antiques Shop, Chester
Chester
Shop
The Antiques Shop

The Antiques Shop is housed within the Rows of Chester and has been owned and run by the same antiques dealer for nearly 30 years, selling British antiques and vintage items.

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