REVIEW: How Soon is Now? @ Sheffield Theatres’ Playhouse

Siân Owen’s *How Soon Is Now?* uses a Manchester nightclub on New Year’s Eve 1997 to explore friendship, personal struggles and the lasting influence of music. The Sheffield Theatres production pairs familiar indie songs with the stories of three women, building towards a message about solidarity and hope.

Polly and Angie’s close friendship is tested as Angie’s behaviour becomes increasingly reckless, while Welsh visitor Jean faces cruelty from Carl before finding her way to Manchester. The review praises the three leads’ vocals, the band and the play’s second-half emotional impact, though it says the first half gives more space to songs than character development and begins with low volume.