“Soars into the Audiences Hearts! “
**** 4 Stars
Pop Icons of the 90’s and 00’s Faye, Claire, Lisa, Lee and “H” redefined the power of bubble gum pop as “Steps” shaped a generations childhood and became the soundtrack to many a teenager’s heart. Now the expansive back catalogue of Steps hits has been brought together in a brand-new musical with a book by Shaun Kitchener.
Telling the tale of life in the costal supermarket Better Best Buys and the staff who work there who are of course a close band of friends who seek a summer of love and beyond but is it a dream that’s better best forgotten? or can they truly take a chance on a happy ending? Well, the answer is we get a musical cram packed full of pop classics in a life affirming tale that while light on dramatic bite soars into the audiences’ hearts as they relive the best of their youth.
Lara Denning turns in a finely nuanced performance as “Caz” her dream of adopting lies shattered as her husband walks out her, “Neeta”, Rosie Singha in fine form is in love with “Ben”, Ben Darcy but can’t find the words to confront her feelings. Then there’s “Robbie”, that gloriously cute Blake Patrick Anderson, who is scared to commit to a boyfriend until fabulous drag queen “Jem”, played by River Medway in a show stealing performance, comes into supermarket and Robbie’s heart. Throw into a mix an evil boss who wants to turn Better Best Buys into holiday condo’s and we get a battle of hearts and minds as well as the battle for there jobs.
Yes, Kitchener’s book is cliché central, but it works and is at times very moving as well refreshing to see relationship spanning both heteronormality and the rainbow spectrum with ease. The story really does match up the mantra of Steps Themselves. Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh she delivers well putting the music at the heart of the show but also making the best of the story that the show hangs on. Matt Cole delivers epic choreography throughout ensure those classic dance moves beloved by generations is blended well into routines that pack plenty of poppy fizz. Tom Rogers set design take bubble-gum to the next level with powder pink and blues in abundance and its beautifully lit by Howard Hudson effective lighting design. Gabriella Slade also delivers the good with a fantastic costume design especially in “River Medway’s” over the top solo number its gloriously camp and gay in equal measure. Adam Fisher’s sound design takes a couple of numbers to settle in, there were some balance issues with onstage performances being drowned out by Musical Director Georgia Rawlins sublime six strong pit band, but it does balance out eventually.
Here & Now is a musical that wears its heart on its sleeve and is a joyous celebration of not only Steps but also how their music continues to transcend time and with a story that’s straight from coronation street it makes it accessible and easy to watch. There is no tragedy in this show as its very much a sparkling night of musical fun.
So make sure your not a deeper shade of blue and 5,6,7,8 your way to the Playhouse as this is the final Scottish Stop for the debut UK tour and I assure you Here & Now will send you into the evening with a smile on your face as your remember just how good those songs are! Altogether now! “Love’s got a hold on my heart!”
Here & Now, A Brand New Musical, Edinburgh Playhouse runs until Sunday 1st March, for more information and tickets go to: Here & Now – The Steps Musical Tickets | Edinburgh Playhouse in Edinburgh | ATG Tickets
The UK Tour Continues
ScotsGay Arts 