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  • Running time 2 hours and 10 minutes (including interval)
  • Age guidelines 5+

A brand new family musical based on award-winning comedian and writer David Baddiel’s best-selling children’s book The Parent Agency.

This fun, hilarious new show features songs by Dan Gillespie Sells, the Ivor Novello Award-winning frontman of The Feeling and composer of hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Directed by acclaimed director Tim Jackson (Two Strangers Carry A Cake Across New York, Merrily We Roll Along), The Parent Agency follows the adventures of 11 year old Barry Bennett, who is transported to an alternate universe where potential parents have to “audition” in front of children!

The show is set for an out-of-London production at Storyhouse Chester, from 15 February to 2 March 2025, before a UK tour and London run. There’s no current news about dates or venues for the London run but check back for details, or sign-up for alerts.

Eleven-year-old Barry Bennett hates his name. In fact, it’s number one on the list of things he blames his parents (Susan and Geoff) for along with “being boring, never buying him cool stuff, being tired all the time and being too strict”. So, he makes a wish for a better mum and dad and finds himself whisked away to Youngdon in the ‘United Kid-dom’, an alternate universe where kids get to pick out their perfect parents with the assistance of the staff of the eponymous Parent Agency.

For Barry, this seems like a dream come true, although he soon learns that choosing a new mum and dad isn’t as simple as it sounds…

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Stars and Creatives

Who is in the cast of The Parent Agency?

Starring Max Bispham (Les Miserables, Mrs Doubtfire), Osian Salter (Les Miserables, The Osmonds A New Musical), Eli Sowden-Mehta (Wonka, Blitz, Wicked) and Louis Wilkins (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), sharing the lead role of Barry; Rebecca McKinnis (Dear Evan Hansen, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) as Susan; and Rakesh Boury (Matilda, The Creakers) as Geoff.

Completing the cast are Kazmin Borrer (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Elliot Broadfoot (Kathy and Stella Solve A Murder), Natasha Cayabyab (Shrek the Musical), Dylan Collymore (Shrek The Musical), Sarah McFarlane (SIX), Joshian Angelo Omaña (Why Am I So Single?) Alan Vicary (Girl From The North Country), Ralph Birthwell (Life of Pi), Althea Burey (The Gruffalo), Elliot Copeland (Becoming Nancy), Jessica Daugirda (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Sophia Lewis (Around The World in 80 Days) and Robbie Scott (Sunshine on Leith).

Who are the creative team of The Parent Agency?

Book by David Baddiel, based on his children’s book

Music and additional lyrics by Dan Gillespie Sells

Directed by Tim Jackson

Jon Bausor (Designer), Carrie-Anne Ingrouille (Choreographer), Sarah Mercadé (Costume Designer), Zoe Spurr (Lighting Designer), Francesca Hsieh (Assistant Director), Nick Finlow (Music Supervisor), Ellen Campbell (Music Director), Paul Gatehouse (Sound Designer), Richard Jones (Associate Sound Designer), Craig Forrest-Thomas (Wig, Hair and Make-Up Designer), Olivia Laydon (Casting Director), Amy Beadel (Children’s Casting)

 

Important Notes

Age advice: The Parent Agency is a fun, family-friendly musical that’s perfect for all ages — no scary or rude bits, we promise. Children aged 5 and up will enjoy it the most, but there’s something for everyone to love!

Venue Information

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Critics' reviews of The Parent Agency

★★★★ "Packed with humorous touches and mad characters... a winning score from Dan Gillespie Sells" - The Stage

★★★★ "Superb standout songs in a score that is consistently upbeat and joyful" - What's On Stage

★★★★ "This fun, family musical, perfect for every age to enjoy" - West End Best Friend

● "David Baddiel’s musical is bouncy and funny" - The Times

● "The production’s charm comes from its spirited performances" - The Guardian

Frequently Asked Questions

The running time of The Parent Agency is 2 hours and 10 minutes (including interval)
The age recommendations for The Parent Agency are: 5+
Yes, The Parent Agency has matinee performances on the following days:
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