The music of the British dance-pop group Steps is ideal for a “juke box” musical. Many of their songs have a storytelling element and Shaun Kitchener has devised a simple, if stereotypical, plot that has that ‘feel good’ feeling, ideal for a winter’s evening with the wind and rain beating down outside the theatre – indeed, as my partner said, you could almost hear the waves crashing onto the shore at Brighton, especially as the backdrop to the expansive set, designed by Tom Rogers, appears to show the promenade looking out to sea: perhaps slightly odd considering that the show is set in a supermarket!
The five-piece group Steps was first formed in 1997, having great success in the four years before they disbanded. They re-formed in 2011 and yet again in 2017 after a five-year break!
Here & Now was first seen at Birmingham in November 2024, since when the show has been continuously touring. It has been devised in the style of a “Greatest Hits Tribute Concert”, with the plot being inconsequential. All the songs are performed straight ‘out front’ as in a concert, most with choreography (Matt Cole) from the ensemble who, if not already on stage, suddenly appear! It is a shame that when the company have an extended dialogue scene, all the lines are over-amplified, as well as shouted by the actors! A case of less being more (please!).
For those interested, the plot concerns Caz (a superb Lara Denning), who appears to have a perfect married life, envied by Vel ( Jacqui Dubois), Neeta (Rosie Singha) and Robbie (a sympathetic portrayal by Blake Patrick Anderson). Caz challenges them to have a “Summer of Love”. We also meet the much-hated and superbly stereotypical store manager Patricia, gorgeously played by Finty Williams, Lesley: the ever-watchable and always giving just that little bit more John Stacey, evil villain of the piece Max, smarmily acted by Edward Baker-Duly and drag artiste Jem in the hands of River Medway. His Act Two song is the highlight of the entire show, and truly hilarious: I will say nothing more so as not to spoil the surprise in case you should see the show at Brighton, as I hope you will!
Director Rachel Kavanaugh has ensured that the performance has tremendous pace, even if some of the dancing is not as precise as perhaps it needs to be. Howard Hudson’s lighting is bright and cheerful and Gabriella Slade’s colourful costumes are just what is needed!
The six-piece pit band, directed by highly talented Georgia Rawlins at one of the keyboards, is very precise, mimicking the sound of the original tracks, even if the sound design (Adam Fisher) is inclined to swamp the singers so that hearing the words is often well-nigh impossible!
Here & Now is a hugely enjoyable evening, showcasing twenty of Steps’ back catalogue: the first night audience at Theatre Royal Brighton were unanimous in their enthusiasm for the show, which is running for two weeks: perfect pre-Christmas entertainment! Recommended!
Review by John Groves
It’s Friday night and the vibe is right as Caz and her fabulous friends dream of the perfect summer of love. But when Caz discovers her ‘happy ever after’ is a lie, and the gang’s attempts at romance are a total tragedy, they wonder – will love ever get a hold on their hearts? Or should they all just take a chance on a happy ending…
CAST
Lara Denning – Caz
Jacqui Dubois – Vel
Rosie Singha – Neeta
Blake Patrick Anderson – Robbie
River Medway – Jem
Finty Williams – Patricia
Ben Darcy – Ben
Lauren Woolf – Tracey
Chris Grahamson – Gareth
Edward Baker-Duly – Max
John Stacey – Lesley
Georgia Christofi, Kade Ferraiolo, Albert Green, Harry Jack, Casey Jay, Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah, Dean Rickards, Genevieve Taylor, Jessica Vaux – Ensemble
Charlie-Jay Johnson, Markus Södergren – On Stage Swings
CREATIVE TEAM
Book by Shaun Kitchenever
Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh
Choreography – Matt Cole
Musical Supervisor, Orchestrator and Arrangements – Matt Spencer-Smith
Lighting Designer – Howard Hudson
Set Designer – Tom Rogers
Costume Designer – Gabrielle Slade
Wigs and Hair Designer – Sam Cox
Sound Designer – Adam Fisher
Casting by Will Burton CDG
Make UP Designer – Jackie Saundercock
Here & Now – The Steps Musical at Theatre Royal Brighton from Tue 2 Dec to Sat 13 Dec 2025
Running Time: 2 hours 27 minutes incl. interval
Tour continues to 16 May 2026
