Here & Now: The Steps Musical at Stockton Globe (UK Tour) Review
Here & Now: The Steps Musical. Photo by Pamela Raith
Written by Stacy for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
I walked into the Stockton Globe last night for press night of Here & Now: The Steps Musical, and from the very first moment, it felt like an event rather than just an evening at the theatre. The full VIP treatment wrapped around the experience from start to finish, and by the time the lights went down I already knew this was going to be special.
As a Steps fan in my childhood, this show made my younger self unbelievably happy. Hearing these songs in a theatre setting felt like being wrapped in a full 90s burst of colour and energy. It is a joyous celebration of connection, community, and the choice to hold onto hope even when life pulls you in different directions. The story follows a small group of characters, each searching for love and a place where they belong. Shaun Kitchener writes with warmth and sincerity, giving each character space to grow and allowing their emotions to feel real and relatable.
Rachel Kavanaugh’s direction keeps the show moving with clarity as each scene flows seamlessly into the next, creating a natural rhythm that never feels forced. The pacing ensures that the story never loses momentum while giving each moment the time in the spotlight that it deserves. There is a real sense of unity among the cast, a genuine feeling of togetherness that invites the audience in and because of this, the emotional moments hit harder…I even shed a tear during Heartbeat.
Lara Denning is nothing short of magnificent…vocally, she is outstanding as she effortlessly hits each note with pointed precision. But it was the emotional honesty in her performance that truly drew me in. She allowed herself to be fully vulnerable and real on stage; every glance, every pause, and every shift in tone created this depth that was impossible to ignore. Denning has a rare gift, not just to sing, but to make you feel every word and every heartbeat.
Jacqui Debois as Val is magical, creating an effortless charm and mischief on stage. Rosie Singha as Neeta brings such a quirky spark that makes you smile every time she enters a scene, and you can feel that playful energy bouncing off the rest of the cast. And tonight, seeing Dean Rickards step into the role of Robbie was wonderful to watch. He brings a cheeky confidence that feels perfectly at home in the Steps universe. Together, along with Denning, this group does not just tell the story…they make you feel it.
A big shoutout has to go to River Medway, who absolutely delivered the moment of all moments, the one that made the second half soar. It was a scene where every single element clicked perfectly: the timing, the energy, the performance, and the theatre felt alive. Medway did not just perform that moment; they owned it, and it became the kind of highlight that the audience will be talking about long after.
The choreography by Matt Cole deserves huge praise. From the moment the first number hit the stage, I was completely caught up in the energy. It was as if the movement itself had a life of its own, growing, expanding, and contracting with the story, responding to every beat, every laugh, every emotional turn. The dancers moved with such precision and joy that it felt impossible to look away. At times, the stage felt like it was breathing with them, alive and pulsing with momentum that carried the audience along. Every sequence had its own personality and rhythm, yet it all flowed seamlessly together, giving the show an irresistible sense of drive and excitement. The choreography lifted the story, amplified the emotion, and made every moment sparkle. It was a true reminder of just how powerful movement can be when it becomes part of the world on stage.
Visually, the production is an absolute feast. The costumes immediately caught my eye, bursting with colour that completely saturated the stage and brought every scene to life. I loved how they took clear inspiration from the 90s, from bold patterns to playful textures, but added a modern twist that made everything feel fresh and current. It was fun to spot little nods to the era we all remember while still being surprised by clever contemporary details. The two villain roles were dressed in greyscale at significant moments, a stark contrast that made them feel drained of colour and joy, and it was such a smart choice. That visual storytelling added an extra layer, making their presence on stage feel weighty without a word being said. Every costume felt like it was part of the world, helping to tell the story, amplify the energy, and make the show feel as vibrant and joyful as the music itself. Watching it all together, I could not take my eyes off the stage, and it made me appreciate just how much thought and creativity had gone into every detail.
By the time the finale mega-mix ended, I was grinning from ear to ear and high as a kite. This show is like stepping into a world made entirely for joy and nostalgia. It knows exactly who it is and throws itself in completely. I left the theatre buzzing with excitement, and it reminded me why I fell in love with Steps all those years ago. If happiness had a soundtrack, it would be Here & Now. Bright, bold and impossible not to love.
Plays at Stockton Globe until 28 December as part of UK tour.
★★★★★
