The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham – until 30th November 2024
Reviewed by Emma Millward
5*****
Let me start by saying that I am a sucker for a jukebox musical. There’s something so enjoyable about the familiarity of the songs and the overwhelming urge to sing along! (I did just about contain myself last night!) Here & Now is the new musical based on the songs of the pop group Steps. The story is not based on the group themselves but on an original book by Shaun Kitchener. The show was announced on 26th January 2024, making its world premiere at The Alexandra, Birmingham on 9th November 2024. Steps, ROYO and Pete Waterman, produce the show.
The show is set in a seaside supermarket called Better Best Bargains (the first of many nods to Steps). We meet Caz (Rebecca Lock), who encourages her workmates Vel (Sharlene Hector), Robbie (Blake Patrick Anderson) and Neeta (Hiba Elchikhe) to ‘take a chance on a happy ending’ and have a summer of love by approaching the people they love or ending relationships that have run their course. While all this is happening, Caz also must deal with the breakup of her relationship with Gareth (Gary Milner), her desire to adopt a child and the looming possibility of the supermarket closing down. Throughout the show, all four main characters get their moment to shine and epic songs to sing!
The ensemble works well together, and they all have genuine chemistry, although Rebecca Lock steals the show. Her vocals are flawless throughout, and she belts out some of the Steps’ most famous songs, changing many of them from classic pop anthems to West End power ballads without too much distress to the hardened Steps fans in the crowd. Her renditions of ‘Heartbeat’ and ‘One For Sorrow’ in particular drew prolonged cheers and applause from the audience. Other standout characters were Jem (River Medway), who didn’t appear much throughout the show but made an impact whenever he appeared. His performance of ‘Chain Reaction’ had the audience captivated from start to finish. I will never look at washing machines the same way again, and I really want one that lights up!! Another character who appeared fleetingly, but always stole the scene was Patricia (Finty Williams), the supermarket manager. Her dodgy French pronunciations always drew loud laughter.
I must discuss one of the other main stars of the show, the songs! Over 22 songs are packed into the production. The refreshing thing about the show is the songs never felt ‘shoehorned’ to fit among the storyline, as can happen occasionally in jukebox musicals. Every song has its place and fits the scene it appears in.
The costume design by Gabriella Slade was exquisite. Never has a supermarket uniform looked so bright and colourful. The set design by Tom Rogers is also excellent. Bright neon blues and pink signage adorned the walls, movable checkouts were used for full effect by the cast, and lots of Steps in-jokes were written through the backdrop and props. Watch for them as you watch, especially the wheelie bin that takes centre stage during Ben (Dan Partridge) and Neeta’s beautiful rendition of ‘Something in Your Eyes’.
As the show concluded, we were treated to an eight-minute mega mix of the songs from the show. As it was a Gala Night performance, Steps themselves took to the stage to perform ‘Stomp’ before announcing the show would embark on a UK tour in 2025. By the show’s finale, the crowd was on its feet, and I’ve never heard such a loud and prolonged standing ovation before. Here & Now The Musical has so much potential. Judging by the audience reaction last night I predict a sell-out run on its upcoming tour. Whether or not you are a diehard Steps fan, there is something for everyone. Funny, often heartbreaking and unashamedly camp escapism all wrapped up with a fantastic soundtrack and an outstanding cast.