Warning: Jukebox musical. Approach with caution. After seeing I Should Be So Lucky in Manchester a year ago (last years theatrical low point), we came to Birmingham with reservations. We love Steps. We love their songs. But its not enough to make a successful musical. Thankfully the producers of HERE & NOW seemed to have grasped this, and gone the extra mile to ensure that Steps' chart busting catalogue of hits are surrounded by coherent characters and great performances.
Shaun Kitchener has had the difficult task of tying together the disparate hits (mostly about love and loss despite the dance beats) and pulling them all together to tell a story. So we find ourselves in an unspecified northern town at the discount store Better Best Bargains. There we find the staff at crossroads in their personal lives. Caz has been ditched by her rat of a husband for 'Cheryl from the chippy' just as the childless couple are on the verge of adopting a child. Vel is wondering how she can end her relationship with long term boyfriend Lesley. Neeta has the hots for co-worker Ben, but she just cannot find the courage to tell him. Whilst Robbie just cannot commit to guys for a serious relationship. So its all emotional turmoil to one degree or another. Then there is French loving Patricia, the starchy owner of the store, who has her own passionate secret: Honri. But Honri isn't all he seems, and it turns out that sleezy Max has intentions of purchasing the store and using Caz in the process. When the store is threatened with closure, Caz and her pals need to take action. 'Cos that would be a 'Tragedy' right?
Love and betrayal are at the heart of many a song and good drama but in this case it's all done in designer Tom Rogers fabulous bright pink and blue store. You know its all going to be camp as Christmas. Leading the cast is the amazing Rebecca Lock as Caz, her big voice soaring as she tackles several heartbreak ballads and brings the roof in with her 'One For Sorrow'. She is vocally matched by Sharlene Hector as best mate Vel, another magnificent performance, nailing the comedy and delivering the big notes. We last saw Blake Patrick Anderson in Germany giving his Starlight Express, but here he plays the commitment shy Robbie with a loveable bounce. His solo 'The Story Of A Heart'' is a winner. River Medway proves his hysterical turn as mermaid Ariel in Unfortunate earlier in the year was no fluke. Medway's razor sharp comic timing is out in force again as local drag queen Jem, and his solo number 'Chain Reaction' (set in the electrical goods aisle of BBB) takes the camp-ometer up to overload. Hiba Elchilkhe makes the most out of Neeta, a part that is a little under written but again she has the timing and vocal chops to stop the show. The men generally have less showy parts, but manage to hold their own amid the wealth of female talent on display. Gary Milner as love rat Gareth, Dan Partridge as shop worker Ben and Edward Baker-Duly as hideous businessman Max work hard to show its not complete female domination. Finty Williams is on form too as frosty Patricia, lover of French phrases and with a secret all her own, as she delivers management mirth throughout the show. This is without doubt a very strong cast and ensemble, delivering the feels and also the high energy big show numbers (check out the 'Half Price Hoedown' to '5,6,7,8') as they belt out the best Steps can offer.
Director Rachel Kavanagh keeps the story on track, she sensibly grounds the characters amid the kitsch set and song catalogue. We invest in them, and the cheers from the audience as the characters win through is a testament to the fact the creative team have got it right. We feared the worst of a jukebox musical, but instead we got something that is fun and infectious. With all five members of Steps (Lisa, Lee, Ian, Claire and Faye) sat a few rows behind us, and causing hysteria when the entered to take their seats, we had pop royalty in the house. They are also theatrical producers of this show, along with iconic music producer Pete Waterman, and they should be pleased that their music is joyously celebrated in this classy production. A step(s) in the right direction for sure.
We predict that 'What The Future Holds' for this show is full houses, dancing in the aisles and we can't wait to go again frankly. It's Steps-tacular.
Rob & Ian
Find out more about the show at the OFFICIAL HERE & NOW WEBSITE
Further listening:
As there is no cast album at the time of writing, we suggest you dive into 2022's The Platinum Collection for a feast of high energy Steps greatness through the decades. CD, download or stream - you know you'll be dancing whatever the option.
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