HERE AND NOW

Manchester Opera House

★★★★

“unapologetically itself and dares us to follow suit”

‘Here & Now, the Steps Musical’, is a glittering, high-energy homage to Steps and love in its many fabulous forms. Campy, clever, and hilariously self-aware, it’s post-Brexit Britain’s answer to Mamma Mia! The plot might feel a little ‘Better Best Forgotten’ at times but underneath lies a heartfelt celebration of self-love and acceptance that everyone can ‘Stomp’ to.

This summer, four friends – Caz, Vel, Neeta, and Robbie – decide there’s more to life than working at ‘Better Best Bargains’. Swearing on the ‘pineapple of destiny’, they vow to find love before Caz turns 50. Things get messy quickly and betrayal threatens to turn their ‘One for Sorrow’ into four. Luckily the ‘pineapple of destiny’ – and a little heart – saves the day, reminding them that true love comes from within.

Shaun Kitchener’s book refuses to take itself too seriously, flashing decidedly self-deprecating wit. Set in a gloriously unglamorous supermarket, it mixes heartfelt moments with hilariously absurd scenes – such as lovers flirting over a giant bin. It’s grounded (everyone sacks off work to drink in a park) and fantastical (shoppers tear around the happiest supermarket in the world) and you just want to lean in. However, this jukebox musical’s plot is predictably thin. Act 1 ping-pongs glancingly around some heavy themes. Act 2 has more emotional weight but the characters remain under-developed, especially our lead Caz who bafflingly reconnects with a man who lies about wanting children (!). With a little polish, the story could truly sing.

That said, Rachel Kavanaugh’s direction understands the assignment, appealing to Steps fans and the LGBTQIA+ community while offering something for everyone. Expertly timed scene cut-offs lean into the unserious tone, colour palettes evoke different pride flags, and the frozen (aisle) inspired drag extravaganza is a showstopper. The large ensemble feels busy at points but adds much-needed vitality to the huge stage.

Matt Spencer-Smith’s musical supervision and arrangements and Musical Director Georgia Rawlins’ interpretation blend Steps’ huge pop hits almost seamlessly into this new setting. Though almost every plot point is embellished with a song, which isn’t necessary. Also, closing with ‘Here and Now’ is an interesting choice – it’s one of Steps’ more emotionally mature hits, but is ultimately less well known and less energetic. The final megamix is a great save, but the story deserves a stronger conclusion.

Matt Cole’s choreography strikes a refreshing balance between referencing Steps’ iconic moves and offering something new. The ensemble nails the complex group dances, though the more static principal routines sometimes draw the eye.

Set design (Tom Rogers) centres around a large supermarket façade, with moveable pieces and clever lighting transporting us elsewhere when necessary. I love the constant rearranging of checkout aisles and trolleys, keeping the layout fresh. The lighting design (Howard Hudson) is dynamic, bold and slick. An assortment of bright rainbow colours snap to supermarket fluorescent white, before easing into deeper moments. Costume design (Gabriella Slade) brings the supermarket uniform to life by mixing up the colours and patterns according to the mood. Denim and iron on patches evoke the late 1990s and the drag moment is a stroke of genius. Wigs and hair (Sam Cox) and make up design (Jackie Saundercock) add pops of colour while carefully representing each character.

The cast brings so much passion and heart. Rebecca Lock’s Caz blows us away with her powerhouse vocals and remains endearing despite the relatively thin material. Blake Patrick Anderson’s Robbie and Ben Darcy’s Ben command the stage in their smaller but no less arresting roles, showcasing effortless tenor voices to boot. River Medway gives a stunning performance as Jem, deservedly stopping the show. Rosie Singha gives her shy girl next door, Neeta, some welcome vocal power. Albert Green cuts through the chorus with some fantastically sharp dancing.

‘Here & Now, the Steps Musical’ is unapologetically itself and dares us to follow suit. Though the plot and characters are a little flimsy, the knockout performances, irreverent self-awareness, laugh-out-loud moments and driving score will have you dancing in the (supermarket) aisles!

HERE AND NOW

Manchester Opera House then UK Tour continues

Reviewed on 4th September 2025

by Hannah Bothelton

Photography by Pamela Raith

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HERE AND NOW

★★★★

“despite being predictable to the end, the story flows as harmoniously as the ensemble singing”

The setting for “Soho Cinders” is Old Compton Street, a street that knows no shame, where theatre goers rub shoulders with prostitutes and local businessmen on their way home are having one last drink as they collide with a younger crowd arriving for their first. It is a world which never really existed but you kind of feel it might have done. It is London as we know it, but with a technicolour gloss coating that fits perfectly with this modern-day retelling of ‘Cinderella’.

With music by George Stiles, Lyrics by Anthony Drewe and book by Drewe and Elliot Davis, the classic fable is given a satirical twist with a plot that is, in turns, comedic, romantic and serious. The mix of politics, scandal and true love is flawlessly balanced so that, despite being predictable to the end, the story flows as harmoniously as the ensemble singing.

Young, impoverished student Robbie is ‘Cinderella’, scraping a meagre living in his late mother’s laundrette, but facing eviction from his ‘ugly’ stepsisters who run the strip club next door. He just gets by with the occasional pay off from a local ‘Lord’, but when he begins a secret liaison with the already engaged Mayoral candidate, he looks set to lose everything. And everyone. Luke Bayer captivates as Robbie, having us rooting for him throughout. When he sings “Happy ever afters always turn out wrong”, we both wish and know that he’ll be proven wrong and he’ll find his prince. Part of me, however, wishes he would straighten up and fall for his co-worker and best-friend ‘Velcro’. Millie O’Connell imbues Velcro with a warmth, loyalty and irreverent wisdom that makes it one of the stand-out performances.

The show stealers are surely Clodagh and Dana, the stepsisters, though they do have a head start. Davis’ script is overflowing with brilliant one liners and these sisters have the lion’s share of them. Michaela Stern and Natalie Harman certainly make a meal of them too with unforgettably hilarious performances. But each character is given their moment to shine, while the ensemble highlights Adam Haigh’s dynamic choreography. Stiles and Drewe’s eclectic score is a catchy mix of ballads, duets and showstoppers, ranging from the achingly beautiful “They Don’t Make Glass Slippers” through to the fiery “I’m So Over Men”, which is reprised with a clever double-entendre re-interpretation of its title.

“Soho Cinders” is a musical with a heart full of passion and a belly full of laughs. As the nights draw in and the cold fronts approach the city, this show will certainly reignite the cinders and leave you with a feeling of warmth. The moral of the fairy-tale is in plain sight, but it doesn’t quench the enjoyment. This incredibly talented cast have as much fun as the audience. An audience who will still be humming the tunes way after midnight. Go! You’ll have a ball.

Reviewed by Jonathan Evans

Photography by Pamela Raith

Tag Archives: Ben Darcy

HERE AND NOW

★★★★

UK Tour

HERE AND NOW

Manchester Opera House

★★★★

“unapologetically itself and dares us to follow suit”

HERE AND NOW