REVIEW: Here and Now – KIng’s Theatre, Glasgow
Book: Shaun Kitchener
Choregrapher: Matt Cole
Set Design: Tom Rogers
Costume Design: Gabriella Slade
Lighting Design: Howard Hudson
Director: Rachel Kavanaugh
While at first glance it may seem like a piece of fluff, a musical based on the songs of 90s cheesy pop superstars Steps, but writer Shaun Kitchener has cleverly woven a story of love, loss, and ultimately hope, into heartfelt new musical Here and Now.
At seaside supermarket Better Best Buys Caz (Rebecca Lock) has just had her own life-changing news about adopting a much longed-for child. In lieu of a gift for her up-coming 50th birthday, she challenges her workmates to seek their own happy ending. Vel (Jacqui Dubois) must end her loveless relationship, Neeta (Rosie Singha) to tell her crush Ben (Ben Darcy) how she really feels and Robbie (Blake Patrick Anderson) is challenged to let love in instead of pushing every boyfriend away. But Caz’s happiness crashes in ruins and she herself has to find happiness again.
Kitchener has considered the songs’ lyrical and emotional content, and their placement in the narrative serves an emotional purpose, avoiding accusations of being shoe-horned into the plot. It has its tongue firmly planted in its cheek and there’s many an eye roll as familiar Steps lyrics are woven throughout the script. The inclusion of 5,6,7,8 at the Half Price Hoe Down is genius as is Jem’s (River Medway) moment in the spotlight with Chain Reaction. And while we are all expecting that happy ending, the storyline has enough moments to keep us guessing until the end
The action plays out at break-neck speed, on Tom Rogers’ eye-poppingly bright set, never indulgent, not a moment wasted, keeping the audience gripped from start to end. There’s humour oozing from its every pore. There are a myriad of bonkers moments including washing machines and electricians – you’ll need to go along to find out how they fit in, and a crazy confession of love played out in front of a skip with bin bags!
From the opening bars, the energy is sky high and the cast faultless. From Rebecca Lock’s roof-raising vocals as lead Caz (the roar of the audience at her interpretation of One For Sorrow gives goosebumps) to each and every member of the ensemble, the cast’s commitment to their roles is inspiring. The vocals and band are on-point throughout.
Here and Now is joyous and relatable with a great big heart. It is a sentimental, inspirational celebration of hope and friendship set to a soundtrack of the hits of Steps. A fitting tribute to a group who never really took themselves too seriously, a group whose mission was to spread joy. If you weren’t a fan of Steps before, or never thought you could be, then Here and Now might just change your mind.
Runs until 20 September 2025 | Image: Pamela Raith
