This isn’t a sponsored post.
BrumHour saw Here and Now at the invite ot The Alexandra.
For Brum Radio’s Interval Theatre, Rebecca Lock and Sharleen Hector talked about the World Premiere of this production at The Alexandra. Listen below:
By Dave Massey x.com/BrumHour
This production contains mild swearing and covers a range of themes including baby loss.
Review: Here and Now The Steps Musical at The Alexandra
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”Steptacular Spectacular”
Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, written by Shaun Kitchener
At an independent discount seaside supermarket on the south coast of England; Caz (Rebecca Lock) decides that she and her workmates, Vel (Sharleen Hector), Neeta (Hiba Elchikhe), and Robbie (Blake Patrick Anderson) are going to have an amazing summer of change. But their boss Patricia (Finty Williams) wants them to stop being distracted and be productive.
From the opening chords to the curtain down, every moment of this production embraces Steps, its legacy and impact. The characters are pretty self-aware of their own love and affection for Steps. Songs which would feel heavily forced into other productions find their place in this fun cheeky musical are shamelessly placed with gusto.
The jokes are adult without being crude, the story fun and never ignoring the that the bulk of the audience are here to listen to their favourite Steps songs, whilst having a great time. There are nods throughout to the music videos of Steps and the dance moves, From the salutes of Deeper Shade of Blue to the bowing in It’s the Way You Make Me Feel.
The sets are pretty straighforward and with supermarket checkouts and shelving units, whilst the costumes are an explosively colourful version of supermarket outfits.
I had a brilliant time from start to finish and the audience reaction made the wait from the announcement of this show to the Gala night World Premiere really worth it.
My favourite vocals came from the leads, and in particular Rebecca Lock as Caz, this is a very well-rounded cast with some great vocals and dance numbers with fun supporting talent including; Dan Partridge as Ben, Helen Colby as Tracey, Edward Baker Duly as Max, and the excellent River Medway as showstopping drag queen Jem, Finty Williams is wonderful with her Del Boy French and brash manager with a hidden heart.
You’ll be hard-pushed to find a more radiant all-embracing production than this. I challenge you to do so. At two and a half hours including interval this musical zips on by.
The production is extended by an extra week at The (wonderful) Alex so there are plenty of tickets to be had starting at THIRTEEN POUNDS in the gods! (Plus booking fee) Here and Now is at The Alexandra until 30th November 2024. Book tickets here: atgtickets.com/shows/here-and-now-the-steps-musical/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham.
