Review: Here & Now at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

★★★★★

Here & Now: The Steps Musical is an original new British production, created using the pop classics from platinum album, multi-million record-selling dance-pop group, Steps (Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, Ian ‘H’ Watkins, Lee Latchford-Evans, and Lisa Scott-Lee). Following its world premiere in Birmingham (2024), the musical is embarking on its UK tour, currently running at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre.

Set in a seaside town, this jukebox musical centres colleagues and friends, working at the superstore, Better Best Bargains. Living normal, relatable lives but with bright and bursting personalities, they’re dancing in the aisles, singing at the checkouts, and planning their summer of love. But, when new plans for the store threaten their future, the group need to unite to protect its future.

A mixtape of bright celebration and humour, alongside emotional heart and warmth, this musical is packed with your favourite 90s/noughties anthems, and it absolutely brings the receipts when it comes to the references generously seasoned throughout, from the scripting to the staging (Tom Rogers). Those who fondly remember Steps’ music and their utterly followable dance moves, which are also reflected in this production’s choreography (Matt Cole), will find Here & Now bursting with nostalgia.

Those less familiar with the material are still likely to recognise many of their hits, some of which are covers including the Bee Gee’s Tragedy and Kylie Minogue’s Better the Devil You Know, but if Steps’ music isn’t your personal taste then this musical likely isn’t for you.

This is my second time viewing this production, and the well-written, compelling plot holds up well. Shaun Kitchener’s book laces together threads of friendship and romance, including queer love, alongside shocking revelations that drive character arcs, and explorations of grief, capitalism, corruption and protest. The ups and downs of the plot, therefore, make way for a spectrum of music from energetic dance numbers to powerful ballads.

The touring production of Here & Now plays with predominately new casting compared to its premiere. Lara Denning (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) takes on the central role of Caz with soaring vocals, which are particularly exceptional in Love's Got a Hold on My Heart, and One For Sorrow.

Joining Denning, and embodying the roles of strong female characters are Jacqui Dubois (Ghost) who takes on the role of Vel which great comic timing, Rosie Singha (&Juliet) who joins the cast as Neeta, and Lauren Woolf (I Should Be So Lucky) as Tracey. They are also joined by Ben Darcy (Grease) as Ben, and Chris Grahamson (Emmerdale) as Gareth.

Reprising their roles in the production are Blake Patrick Anderson (Be More Chill) as Robbie, Edward Baker-Duly (The King a I) as Max, John Stacey (Kiss Me Kate) as Lesley, and River Medway (Ursula, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK) as Jem, the latter of whom brings drag sparkle to the production.

Here & Now is a production that asks the question, what if the American sitcom Superstore was British and a musical? A colourful jukebox hit with the feel-good factor, this production is delightfully cheesy and over-the-top in the best ways possible. Here & Now: The Steps Musical is camper than the ‘outdoor adventure’ aisle at Better Best Bargains, glittering with queer joy. This is a musical that will have you leaving the theatre with an unexpected earworm in the bagging area.

Here & Now: The Steps Musical plays at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre until Sunday 15th March. It’d be a 'Tragedy' to miss it, so book your tickets now!

Directed by the award-winning Rachel Kavanaugh (Half a Sixpence, The Great British Bake Off Musical), written by Shaun Kitchener (Hollyoaks); it is produced by Steps alongside ROYO, Pete Waterman, Fascination Management, Runaway Entertainment, David Mirvish, Sony Music Entertainment, Wallport Productions, Aria Entertainment, and Bryan McCaffrey. 

This review is written following a press invite to the show.