⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ A jubilant and nostalgic homage to one of Britain’s most beloved pop groups. Sensational!

Back in February I had the privilege of speaking with award-winning director Rachel Kavanaugh and writer Shaun Kitcherner about their new project: Here & Now, a brand new musical based on the songs of British pop band Steps. 

At the time, the casting process hadn’t yet started, but right from the beginning they were both passionate about roles being made available for “all types of ordinary people of all ages, young people, older people of all shapes and sizes, all heritages, all gender identities.”

And almost nine months later, after seeing snippets of cast rehearsals and interviews, ticket sales that were so poplar that extra nights were added and glowing initial reviews of early performances, I was eager to see whether it would deliver.

AND DELIVER, IT DID. AND THEN SOME.

As an avid Steps fan I was excited about the potential, but after seeing numerous poorly crafted jukebox musicals that have missed the mark over the years I was admittedly a little unsure about the overall premise of the plot: 

Welcome to seaside superstore Better Best Bargains, where it’s Friday night, the vibe is right, and everyone’s dancing in the aisles. But when Caz discovers the shelves are stocked with lies and betrayal, the summer of love she and her friends dreamed of suddenly feels like a tragedy. Have they all lost their chance of a ‘happy ever after?’ Or does love have other plans in store…?

I need not have worried – it works beautifully, being unapologetically camp and brimming with self-aware humour that embraces the very essence of the band’s legacy. It is difficult to give too much detail without revealing massive spoilers and plot twists, but I was impressed by how their individual stories were so cleverly woven together. 

Initially focusing on four employees at Better Best Bargains – Caz (Rebecca Lock), Vel (Sharlene Hector), Neeta (Hiba Elchikhe) and Robbie (Blake Patrick Anderson) – who are all unhappy in love, they make a pact to have a summer of love and happiness. However, their world slowly begins to unravel when Caz is betrayed by husband Gareth (Gary Milner) and a web of lies unfolds involving their supervisor Patricia (Finty Williams) and her mystery lover. 

The cast’s enthusiasm is infectious from the opening number and were exactly as promised – a smorgasbord of incredibly talented performers of all ages and backgrounds that made us roar with laughter, shed a tear and left us dancing in our seats.

And it just gets better and better as more characters are introduced – Robbie’s love interest Jem (River Medway) gives the ultimate drag performance atop a row of glittering washing machines, Tracey’s (Helen Colby) deadpan delivery of comic lines were particularly brilliant, Neeta’s love interest Ben (Dan Partridge) was sweet and complimented her shy nature. 

And the vocals.

Oh my gosh, the vocals.

Lock (whose voice is reminiscent of Steps band member, Claire), and Hector are powerhouses. Musical numbers like Tragedy, Stomp, and Deeper Shade of Blue are performed with perfect harmonies and staged with dazzling creativity (complete with synchronised routines reminiscent of the group’s signature moves), while others are adapted in beautiful ways – Lock’s stunning performance of One For Sorrow prompted such enthusiastic cheers and applause that she had to seemingly wait a moment to take it all in.

Visually, the production is a feast for the senses. Tom Rogers’ set design, complete with moving tills and shelves full of products serves as the perfect brightly-coloured backdrop, while the costumes by Gabriella Slade are a celebration of late ’90s and early 2000s fashion, incorporating elements of iconic Steps looks over the years. 

While Here & Now occasionally leans on nostalgia, it doesn’t feel overwrought. Instead, it strikes a balance, celebrating Steps’ enduring appeal while introducing their magic to a new generation. Long-time fans of the iconic quintet will revel in the feel-good atmosphere, while newcomers might find themselves converted by the sheer joy and hilarity of it all. 

The new Steps musical is a jubilant and nostalgic homage to one of Britain’s most beloved pop groups. And if that wasn’t enough, the cast were joined on stage by Steps themselves during the encore, performing Stomp and announcing a massive UK 2025/26 tour of Here & Now.

I can’t wait to watch it again. Let’s face it, after a performance like that it would be a tragedy not to.

Here & Now is on stage at The Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 30th November. Get your tickets here.

Want to book your seat for the 2025 / 2026 Here & Now UK Tour? Find out more here!