“You know I can’t resist” a bit of wordplay in my reviews, and “my heart just can’t hold back”, especially being such a huge Steps fan, it would seem a complete Tragedy if I don’t try to break my own record. But alas, “it’s time to begin, so count it in”… you know the rest. 

It was far from the Last Thing on My Mind, even inevitable, that British pop-dance icons, Steps, would eventually have their own jukebox musical, I just don’t think it was on anyone’s bingo card it would be this camp. 

Here & Now with its book by Shaun Kitchener and direction from Rachel Kavanaugh is simply Hard 2 Forget and You’ll Be Sorry if you miss out.  

With a slight change of cast from last year’s World Premiere in Birmingham, Here & Now tells of four friends, and colleagues at ‘Better Best Bargains’ who embark on their own Summer of Love in a bid to “take a chance on a happy ending”. 

Continuing with the production and leading the cast as Caz, is Rebecca Lock. A veteran of musical theatre, Lock vocally soars, especially during her haunting renditions of Heartbeat and One for Sorrow, kudos to Matt Spencer-Smith as musical supervisor for his exquisite arrangements. Lock equally grounds the production during Kitchener’s unexpected and hard-hitting storyline, which is a vast turnaround from the dare I say, kitsch yet striking set design (Tom Rogers) and farfetched and exaggerated plot going on elsewhere in this production – for all the right reasons. Rosie Singha as Neeta is extremely underutilised vocally (could have been a mixing issue), as when you do hear her belt, you are immediately swept in. Likewise, Blake Patrick Anderson as Robbie brings a beautiful, almost country-esque tone to his solos. 

The storyline is so farcical it could easily collapse into chaos, yet it’s saved by moments of sincerity that cut through the glitter (and gold). Kitchener balances the ridiculous with the real, making it strangely relatable. After all, who hasn’t found both comedy and heartbreak in the unlikeliest of settings- even a bargain store? 

And yes, it’s funny. The script is sharp, the one-liners land, and the cast know exactly how to squeeze every ounce of humour from the material (special mention to River Medway as Jem and Finty Williams as Patricia). That’s why when the tone shifts, it doesn’t feel forced. The phrase “hilarious and heart-warming” is overused in theatre marketing, but in this case, it’s absolutely earned. 

Musically, the show refuses to be a simple greatest-hits singalong. Spencer-Smith’s arrangements breathe new life into familiar tracks: Heartbeat becomes a moment of stripped-back tenderness, One for Sorrow aches with emotion, while Story of a Heart bursts with Broadway flair. It’s a treat for fans and a surprise for newcomers. 

The production is predominantly as exciting as the middle aisle of Aldi, but there are the odd whoopsie, that stops it reaching the top shelf of jukebox musicals. Occasionally the vocals don’t quite hit the expected key or power, not helped by a few issues with either the sound design or the mix. Scene changes are hit and miss with some flowing excellently with a musical interlude or dance break, while others feel clunky. 

The ensemble’s energy is infectious, selling both the silliness and sincerity. Their chemistry makes the friendships believable, and the company numbers transform the theatre into a full-blown party. It’ll do more than rope you in; it’ll reel you all the way into its glitter-soaked Bargain Basement. 

Here & Now is camp, chaotic, and unexpectedly cathartic. Commercially it’s fabulous and a must for any Steps fan, or someone who craves the nostalgia of pop music at its finest, while critically there are a few creases, however, it proves that a jukebox musical can be both a laugh-out-loud celebration and a moving story of friendship. I’m intrigued to find out “what the future holds” for this ‘Steptacular’ swing at a musical. Miss it, and well- you might just end up “a deeper shade of blue…”  

Here & Now plays at Manchester’s Opera House until 13th September before continuing its tour across the UK. Further information and booking can be found here.

Tickets received in exchange for an honest review. #AD

Photography by Pamela Raith.