Hall for Cornwall, Truro, Cornwall – until the 9th November 2024
Reviewed by Kerry Gilbert
5*****
Get ready to relive the soundtrack of your youth at Now That’s What I call a Musical!
In celebration of 40 years of NOW That’s What I Call Music! a new jukebox musical is touring the UK, and I was lucky enough to watch it at the Hall for Cornwall! Titled ‘NOW That’s What I Call a Musical’, comedian Pippa Evans has written the script and Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood has directed and choreographed the musical journey back to the eighties and a time of video stores, big hairstyles, hours of fun at the local pub and many dreams for the future.
Award winning comedy actress and EastEnders star Nina Wadia is joined by musical theatre performer Melissa Jacques, who bring the focal characters of Gemma and April to life. Plus, credit must go to the actresses playing the younger Gemma and April, Nikita Johal and Maia Hawkins, they make an impressive duo, both exceptionally talented with incredible vocals.
The acting from the whole cast is strong, from the background ensemble to the main cast. Gemma’s slimy husband Tim (Kieran Cooper in 1989 and Chris Grahamson in 2009) is wonderfully easy to hate, brother Frank (Luke Latchman in 1989 and Shakil Hussain in 2009) has a nerdy adorableness, and Gemma’s parents (Poppy Tierney and Christopher Glover in both years) are a refreshing look at love in the older generation.
Set in 1989 and 2009, the production focuses on the friends in 2 pivotal moments of their lives: finishing school aged 18 and then 20 years later, weighed down by the realities adulthood and reflecting on the nostalgia of their school days. There’s a double timeline throughout, younger teenage Gemma and April, are ever present, sharing their dreams. The script simultaneously moves to a school reunion, held in a Brummie local pub, The Palace, twenty years later. To a chorus of Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves, and Tainted Love, comes a familiar bittersweet story or damaged friendships, love and loss.
It really is a fun filled evening and bursting with hits from Whitney Houston, Wham!, Blondie, Tears For Fears, Spandau Ballet and so many more. I loved the parts which took you right back to sharing your Walkman headphones with your best friend, escaping the boring day to day and dancing like nobody is watching. To top it off the audience were delighted with a special appearance from Carol Decker from T’Pau singing China in Your Hand, it was sensational and gave me goose bumps!
The highlights of the production are Pippa’s hilarious script and the comedy performances. I enjoyed the fun personalities on stage and the references to growing up in the iconic decade. The material is over the top, from the humorous choreography and era-appropriate costume design to the unique way that lyrics are brought into the dialogue. When the sing-along-come-dance-along began, there wasn’t a single person left in their seat. And the final applause went on several minutes.
If you’re looking for a good night out, look no further, you can’t go wrong with a night of pure nostalgia and jukebox musical bliss!