Here & Now - The Steps Musical, UK Tour (2025) Review
Written by Siobhan for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
We begin outside Better Best Bargains, Caz (Rebecca Lock) receives news that she has been approved to adopt, perfectly timed two weeks before her 50th birthday celebrations. On receiving the good news, she encourages her “iconic best friends” Vel (Jacqui Dubois), Neeta (Rosie Singha) and Robbie (Blake Patrick Anderson) to also try and achieve their happy endings before her birthday, to give in to a Summer Of Love.
Here & Now is camp chaos in the best way you can imagine. From line dancing with toilet roll on their heads, to faux French affairs - it would be easy to write this off as a cheesy lighthearted musical, but when we least expect it we get magical moments that punch you in the gut. When Caz reveals her baby was ‘born sleeping’ thirteen years ago, the audience audibly reacts to the (authentically played by Lock) share of loss, and we sit in the feeling that this isn't just a jukebox musical in pursuit of a paycheck - but a touching piece that shows the strength of the everyday person.
With it being a story that revolves around the music catalogue of Steps, it may come as no surprise to you that it is, throughout, a celebration of queer joy. Our core four characters deal with heartache, daddy issues and first loves in all shapes of sexuality - and the crowd favourite drag-queen Jem (River Medway) puts it perfectly when in the final scenes they simply say ‘I just love… gay.’.
Whether you’ve loved Steps for years and know the choreography to Tragedy like the back of your hand, or just someone who loves a good bop - this musical is enjoyable from start to finish. Infact, the former may work in your favour as you may forgive the few moments where our cast lose energy during their most famous songs when performing.
Vocally, it is without a doubt that Lock (as Caz) and Patrick Anderson (as Robbie) shine brighter than the sequins on the audience's clothes, as they continuously deliver stand-out performances that make us feel safe whenever they are on stage. And when Jem is dressed as frozen goods, serenading Robbie with Chain Reaction - Medway received a close to three minute applause, and rightly so.
Here & Now has earned its seat next to the likes of Mamma Mia and & Juliet in the jukebox musical hall of fame with its smooth transitions from plot into song, eye-catching costuming and set design, and strong comedic characters. If you manage to catch it on its UK tour, you may find yourself becoming a new Steps superfan.
Here & Now plays at Manchester Opera House until 13 Sept as part of a wider UK tour which runs to 16 May 2026.
★★★★
