Here & Now - The Steps Musical

On Thursday we went to the Opera House, Manchester to see Here & Now - The Steps Musical. See what our reviewer Erin had to say about this excellent show...

I was so excited for this brand new musical, I couldn’t even explain it. We all know and love Steps, the hit pop group formed in the late 90s. They are a national phenomenon, and now there’s a fantastic musical to celebrate their music, featuring all your favourite Steps songs! It follows Caz and her friends when they discover that their seaside superstore, Better Best Bargains, is stocked with lies and infidelity. Has the possibility of a summer of romance collapsed before them? Or will they find their happy ending? 

The show was unlike any I have ever seen, with a brilliant atmosphere and infectious energy, I couldn't take my eyes off the stage. The enthusiasm of all the cast members and audience elevated the show to new levels. I particularly enjoyed River Medway’s (Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch, House of Cleopatra, Dick Whittington) fun and dramatic number, full or drag and energy, and the show’s inclusion of all the different songs to create a captive story.

Star of the show Rebecca Lock (Heathers, Curtains, Elf The Musical) delivered hit songs with elegance and breathtaking emotion. Alongside Rebecca Lock was Jaqui Dubois (People Places & Things, The Wizard of Oz, The Lion King), who gave a relatable and down-to-earth talent packed performance. Rosie Singha (&Juliet, Love Never Dies, Britain's Got Talent)was quirky and bright, delivering complicated riffs with ease, and Blake Patrick Anderson (Be More Chill, Emojiland, RENT) shone bright, a clear star bursting with talent. These 4 together had hilarious group chemistry, and totally immersed me in the story.

Joining them was River Medway, who I can only describe as iconic, and Ben Darcy (Grease, Aladdin, Hairspray), who was charming and fierce. I also admired Lauren Woolf (I Should Be So Lucky, Boeing Boeing, Little Shop Of Horrors) and her humorous performance, and John Stacey (Kiss Me Kate, My Fair Lady, Phantom of the Opera) who you couldn't help but love. Finty Williams (The Ocean at the End of the Lane, The Chalk Garden, The Baker’s Wife) definitely surprised me, but I turned out to love her character and fantastic comedic timing. Whilst not the audience's favourite characters, Edward Baker Duley (The King and I, Gone With The Wind, West Side Story) and Chris Grahamson (NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, Billy Elliot the Musical, The Recruiting Officer) charmed me at some point, with strong and memorable performances.

The set and costume design was fantastic, with a bright and colourful theme throughout. The show was not short of glitter and sparkles, and the choreography definitely sparkled. It was fun, dynamic and upbeat, and I couldn't have ever asked for a better show. I was belly-laughing the whole way through, yet the performance was still able to catch me with a tear in my eye. I loved the fact this show was beautifully queer, and I really admired the fact there was no shame. It was feminine and fun and flirty and so unbelievably enjoyable I will be thinking about this show for weeks to come. Not to mention the fact Steps themselves performed an encore after sitting in the audience and watching the show. 

Here and Now is now easily one of my favourite shows I have ever seen, with unforgettable characters paired with songs we all can sing along to. I urge you to see this show ASAP! It is not something you want to miss. So how many tickets do you need to book? 5, 6, 7, 8? 

WE SCORE HERE & NOW - THE STEPS MUSICAL...