Review: Here & Now

Review: Here & Now

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 19-11-24 by Clive Payne

Here & Now, the musical built around the iconic hits of Steps, is a joyous and uplifting celebration of pop music and nostalgia. Running in Birmingham until 30 November 2024, after a date extension due to phenomenal demand, this production captures the magic of Steps’ enduring appeal with charm, warmth, and dazzling energy.

The expertly crafted pop songs which now span four decades(!) lend themselves perfectly to musical theatre, elevating this jukebox musical into something truly special. With Shaun Kitchener’s heartfelt original book, Here & Now expertly weaves Steps’ hits—both classics like One for Sorrow and Tragedy and newer tracks—into a timeless and consistent narrative that’s both entertaining and deeply nostalgic. Many times during the show, I was reminded of songs i had forgotten were part of Steps’ incredible career, and the crowd around me embraced every single hit.

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The entire cast delivers strong performances, but Rebecca Lock and Sharlene Hector are absolute standouts. Rebecca is exceptional as Caz, anchoring the story with warmth and pitch-perfect vocals. Sharlene Hector, fresh from her stunning turn in Standing at the Sky’s Edge in the West End, proves she’s a musical star to watch. Her portrayal of Vel is a masterclass in character growth, as she blooms throughout the story, culminating in vocal heights that brought the house down.

River Medway, known for their memorable run on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, showcases incredible range and versatility. Following their recent turn as Ariel in Unfortunate, they deliver comedic brilliance as Jem, with their “Washing Machine” scene being an absolute highlight of the show.

Rachel Kavanaugh’s direction and Olivier Award-winning Matt Cole’s choreography ensure that Here & Now revels in its identity as a jukebox musical, fully embracing its pop roots. Every number, from 5,6,7,8 to Better the Devil You Know, is delivered with authenticity and energy, integral to the story rather than tacked on. The plot is carried with affection and sincerity by the cast, with plenty of laughs along the way.

The staging is vibrant and concert-like, with colourful costumes and dynamic lighting that immerse the audience in the music. By the time the curtain call comes around, the crowd is euphoric, united in a joyful demand for the medley which closes out the night.

This production doesn’t shy away from being a jukebox musical—it embraces it, delivering hit after hit with authenticity and heart. It’s a joyous evening that will leave audiences smiling, singing, and feeling deeply nostalgic.

And the story doesn’t end here. Steps have revealed that Here & Now will embark on a major tour in 2025 and 2026. It absolutely deserves to be seen—a testament to the power of Steps’ music and the shared love it inspires. Don’t miss your chance to experience this euphoric celebration of Steptacular pop magic!

Get tickets for the remaining dates and the 2025/26 UK tour from the official site HERE.