Here and Now - The Official Steps Musical, Alexandra Birmingham Review
Rebecca Lock as Caz (centre) & the cast in HERE & NOW. Photo by Pamela Raith
Written by Roni for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Even the snow and ice cannot hold back the hundred-degree heat being bought to Birmingham right now by the world premiere of an exciting new musical. It’s disco balls and glitter galore at the Alexandra Theatre, as anyone who’s anyone is taking their seat at Here and Now, the latest jukebox musical to grace the UK theatre scene. Will it grab a hold of your heart – or is this one that is better best forgotten?
Here and Now is a brand new tale interwoven with the top hits of one of Britain’s’ best loved 90’s groups, Steps. The story follows a group of friends working at ‘Better Best Bargains’ headed up by Caz, whose husband walks out on her just as they’re in the process of adoption. Together with Vel, Neeta and Robbie, Caz makes a group pact; to have a summer of love and take a chance on her happy ending. Plans seem to be working until Caz meets a mystery man who can help her achieve her dream of adopting a child – if only she’ll help him blackmail the store manager. When the situation gets messy, Caz is left believing she has lost her friends, her job and her chances of happiness. Can the rest of the group come together in time to show her that the best is yet to come, or even right here, right now?
It’s clear from the off that this show is a riot through and through. The super sleek and stylish supermarket setting lends itself as the perfect background for a whole host of disco pop music. The writing here is relatively low-key, barring one or two twisty moments, but this allows for the comfortable inclusion of most of the group’s back catalogue without any awkward shoehorning. The sound design is incredible, creating an atmosphere more akin to a club than a theatre (even if that club is Popworld). The driving force behind this powerhouse show, however, is its impeccable cast.
River Medway makes an excellent feature as Jam, Robbie’s unexpected love interest, and his musical number is every bit as sparkly as his character. Starring as Robbie is Blake Patrick Anderson, who shows the audience that even the most self-assured people can struggle, beautifully portraying Robbie’s abandonment issues, as well as his confidence in who he is. Hiba Elchikhe gives Neeta an endearing naivety, whilst also flexing some impressive pipes, while Sharlene Hector is phenomenal as Vel, belting out mind-blowing vocals and still maintaining a quick wit and vulnerability that defines her character. Rebecca Locke simply shines as Caz. Her voice is second to none, and she brings so much depth to a character that could easily be lost as superficial in amongst all the camp and hilarity. Her rendition of ‘Heartbeat’ is viscerally moving, grounding us with the message within the madness. What is most striking though is the way that these principals, and indeed the wider ensemble, play off of each other so harmoniously, it is impossible to not be caught up in their laughter and joy – for one night, these are our friends too.
In short, this is a joyous celebration of both music and life from start to finish. Of all the feel-good experiences out there, this will be the most rompin’ stompin’ fun you’ll have all year. Even if you are somehow not a huge Steps fan, you’ll be hard pressed to not crack a smile or even a cheeky dance move – this will be one fiesta you’ll always remember.
At The Alexandra, Birmingham until 30 November 2024 ahead of a UK tour in 2025/26.
★★★★★
