Bright and fun, come to see Here & Now for the music and sheer exuberance that leaves audiences beaming.
As someone who *enjoyed listening to the music of Steps (*still enjoying as an adult), having a musical featuring their songs is not something that I would imagine that would be possible or plausible. However, with Shaun Kitchner’s lively book and Rachel Kavanaugh’s upbeat and vibrant production this is a positive and uplifting musical that leaves you feeling good.
Set in the Better Best Bargains supermarket, Here & Now follows the story of four co-workers who have dreams in their personal lives that is led by Caz who encourages them to follow their dreams through the summer. But things don’t go according to plan when Caz’s husband makes an unexpected announcement in a life changing experience for them both that soon makes a bigger impact when Caz continues to persue her dreams in ways that lead her risking her friendships with her co-workers. Friendship, love and desire to make dreams come true at any cost are explored through this outrageously joyous musical that has hints of more depth than it seems here.
First of all the attention to detail in the designs from the set design by Tom Rodgers (the colours are very Steps as is the not so subtle aisles of 5,6,7,8) and to familiar moves of the original songs showcased through Matt Cole’s vibrant choreography that will please Steps fans.
Shaun Kitchener’s book excels in the way it focuses on the friendship through the central characters, capturing their vulnerability through a variety of ways that ensures that there is at least one character that you can relate to on a personal level. However, it has to be admitted that some of the lines feel a little bit predictable – particularly for the mysterious Max who offers Caz help to realise her dreams. The twists though were unexpected but it does feel slightly pantomime like in which it brings out the reaction of the audience (I have never heard so many boos in a show towards a villainous character outside of pantomime).
The songs of Steps are effectively and amusingly put into place (I loved the way that ‘5,6,7,8’ was used in a supermarket setting for example), but there is also great poignancy throughout as the characters discover things about themselves that they only gradually realise along the way. The way in which the routines of ‘One For Sorrow’ and ‘It’s the Way You Make Me Feel’ for example are handled really work into the story well.
The cast are clearly are having the time of their lives throughout this show. At the centre of it all, Rebecca Lock as Caz really captures the character’s arc perfectly and her vocals are powerful throughout – creating heartfelt moments. She is well matched by Jacqui Dubois as Vel offers a wonderful balance of strength and vulnerability with Rosie Singha as Neeta, Blake Patrick Anderson as Robbie and Finty Williams as Patricia all offer delightful moments throughout.
Yes it is clear that the musical very much leans into the camp, joyous escapism that you would expect in a musical involving the songs of Steps. It never pretends to be something that it isn’t. It does throw in themes that could be explored in more detail such as loss and identity but it is still a celebration of life and love that leaves audiences with a smile on their face.
Overall, Here & Now is a joyful and fun filled musical that keeps audiences thoroughly entertained from start to finished.
By Emma Clarendon
Here & Now will play at the New Wimbledon Theatre until the 9th November before continuing to tour.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️