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Wednesday, 15 October 2025

Here & Now The Steps Musical Tour Review- A Pop-Fuelled Jukebox Ride That Charms


Here and Now: The Steps Musical (Tour) 
New Victoria Theatre

Here & Now is a vibrant, glitter-filled night of pop nostalgia that wears its heart- and its sparkly costumes- proudly on its sleeve. Built around the iconic hits of Steps, this jukebox musical takes place in a brightly lit supermarket called Better Best Bargains, where dreams, heartbreak, and friendship collide in equal measure.

At the centre of the story is Caz, played with warmth and power by Rebecca Lock, whose vocals soar through the theatre and whose emotional honesty gives the show its core. When her life takes an unexpected turn, she and her co-workers are forced to re-evaluate their choices and embrace a “Summer of Love” that doesn’t quite go to plan. Alongside her, Blake Patrick Anderson (Robbie), Jacqui Dubois (Vel), Rosie Singha (Neeta) give great performances and their chemistry is lovely to see. River Medway also has some brilliant moments as Jem. Finty Williams is a comic delight as Patricia, the dry, sharp-tongued store boss whose perfectly timed one-liners steal more than one scene, I wish we got a little bit more of her story. The rest of the cast bring great energy and charm, with tight ensemble work that keeps the show lively and fast-moving.

Visually, the production is dazzling. Tom Rogers' supermarket set transforms fluidly, bursting with colour and clever design touches, while Howard Hudson's lighting shifts between campy exuberance and tender intimacy. It’s a feast for the eyes, even if sometimes there’s so much going on that it’s hard to catch every detail. Matt Cole's choreography is slick and punchy, perfectly capturing the upbeat essence of Steps while grounding it in musical-theatre storytelling.

Where the show falters slightly is in pacing and clarity. With so many interwoven storylines and emotional beats, some scenes feel rushed, and the final moments could benefit from a little more breathing room. At times, the sheer spectacle overwhelms the subtler emotional notes, but when it lands, it’s joyous.

Despite its imperfections, Here & Now is a fun, heartfelt celebration of pop, love, and second chances. Rebecca Lock is a standout, Finty Williams adds sparkle and humour, and the ensemble delivers with infectious enthusiasm. It may not reinvent the jukebox-musical format, but it’s packed with enough charm, choreography, and nostalgia to leave audiences smiling and maybe even dancing their way out of the theatre. A glittery supermarket of pop, heart, and pure nostalgia!

★★★★
Reviewed on Tuesday 14th October 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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Wednesday, 27 November 2024

Now That’s What I Call a Musical: A Fun Nostalgia-Fest with some Flaws | Review


Now That’s What I Call a Musical
New Victoria Theatre 

If you’re craving a night of toe-tapping 80s hits and breezy humour, Now That’s What I Call a Musical might be just the ticket. Currently touring the UK, this jukebox musical delivers big on nostalgia, though it stumbles in depth and pacing. With a talented cast and high-energy set pieces, it’s a fun evening out, even if it doesn’t push any creative boundaries.

The first act introduces a 1989 school reunion and a group of ex-students struggling with love, ambition, and nostalgia. However, while the setup is charming enough, the narrative lacks momentum, with the story often feeling like it’s merely an excuse to lead into the next song. Fortunately, the second act ramps up the stakes. Secrets unravel, tensions surface, and the characters finally confront their dilemmas in earnest. While these revelations might not reinvent the wheel, they bring a welcome spark of drama and emotional resonance.

The cast gives it their all, infusing charisma and vocal talent into even the thinnest material. Nina Wadia (as Gemma who feels stuck in her life) brings a heartfelt performance and vocals. Shakil Hussain steals scenes as the sarcastic but brother, delivering some of the show’s best comedic moments. Meanwhile, Chris Grahamson is compelling as Tim, the sleazy player who's got Gemma wrapped around his finger. The standout is absolutely Melissa Jacques who enters just before the end of act one and provides the best vocals and some really emotional moments. Her portrayal of the larger than life April, who went to LA to live her actress dreams is very well characterised and feels like the most developed of them all. Carol Decker makes a guest appearance for one song and showcases her great vocals in her hit song 'China in Your Hand'.

The humour is light and occasionally sharp, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and nods to the 80s. The jokes might not land for everyone, but there’s an endearing self-awareness in the script that keeps it from taking itself too seriously. And, of course, the 80s anthems are the real star here. Whether it’s 'Red Red Wine' or 'Every Breathe You Take', the production knows how to use these iconic songs to maximum effect.

The show’s design team deserves applause. The set design, by Tom Rogers, captures the small-town charm with a versatile backdrop that transitions seamlessly between locations. Ben Cracknell’s lighting design adds flair, particularly in the second act’s climactic moments, bathing the stage in dramatic reds and blues that elevate the mood. The sound design by Adam Fisher ensures the music is crisp and immersive, though there were moments where dialogue got lost beneath the score.

If there’s a weakness, it’s in the writing. Pippa Evans' script doesn’t dig deeply into its themes or characters, sticking to predictable tropes and shallow conflicts. While this simplicity might frustrate those looking for a more substantial narrative, it’s clear the focus here is on entertainment, not profundity.

Now That’s What I Call a Musical won’t change your life, but it’s an enjoyable escape. For fans of 80s music, it’s a nostalgic treat, carried by a dedicated cast and vibrant production design. While the story doesn’t say anything new, the show’s heart and humour make it a worthwhile outing. Go for the tunes, stay for the laughs, and enjoy the trip down memory lane.

★★★
Reviewed on Tuesday 26th November 2024 by Olivia
Photo Credit: 

{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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Tuesday, 19 March 2024

I Should Be So Lucky on tour at the New Victoria Theatre REVIEW: A Misguided Melange of 80s Madness


I Should Be So Lucky (Tour)
New Victoria Theatre

In the sun-drenched world of I Should Be So Lucky: The Musical, there's a flicker of potential, but sadly, it fades quicker than the sparkle of a disco ball. The show, buoyed by a strong cast and glitzy staging, is fun but struggles to hit the high notes it aims for.

Let's start with the positives: the cast. They're the shining stars of this production, injecting life and energy into every scene. With their talent and charisma, they manage to elevate even the most lacklustre moments. Each member deserves applause for their efforts in salvaging what they can from the material. To name a few, Scott Paige brings hilarity to every moment of his stage time, Kayla Carter as Bonnie provides some wonderful vocals and her blossoming relationship with Ash played by Giovanni Spanò is one of the highlights of the show. Giovanni is laugh out loud funny and get to briefly show off his killer vocals. It's a bit of theme in the show that the amazing vocal talents of the cast don't get to really be shown off, due to the hundred other things that are happening throughout. This is definitely the case with Melissa Jacques as Shelley who is wonderful, but having seen her in Everybody's Talking About Jamie, I would've loved some more chances for her to sing and soar.

As I mentioned, there's a LOT going on. There are a heap of side plots and vague character references and development which never have enough time to really mean anything. It sort of feels like every idea made it into the show and there was no development or streamlining to make it work. Another issue is that the show borders between being super sincere and not taking itself too seriously, so at times you're unsure whether you're laughing with or at the show. There's certainly potential, but in it's current form, it feels like a strange fever dream.

Now, onto the staging. It's undeniably flashy, dripping with sequins and neon lights reminiscent of a Kylie concert. The set (Tom Rogers) is really good, and there's a certain thrill in watching the glitzy spectacle unfold. However, as the show progresses, the excitement begins to wane, revealing a repetitive pattern that feels more like a recycling of ideas than a deliberate artistic choice. The 80s music video vibes are real, but there's only so many times you can get joy from the heart shaped bed rolling onto the stage. 

Despite these glimmers of promise, I Should Be So Lucky: The Musical ultimately falls flat. While it may provide a momentary escape into a world of pop music and glamour, it lacks the substance needed to sustain interest beyond the surface. Thankfully the cast do wonder with what they're given, but even the most talented performers can't fully save this misguided show. Much like an 80s tune, it's enjoyable in the moment but quickly fades from memory.

★★
Reviewed on Monday 18th march 2024 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Marc Brenner

I Should Be So Lucky plays at the New Victoria Theatre until 23rd March and then continues its tour

{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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Tuesday, 15 March 2022

Full Cast Announced for the UK and Ireland Tour of The Cher Show

 


“All of us invent ourselves.
Some of us just have more imagination than others.”
CHER

 
The producers of the brand new production of The Cher Show are delighted to announce the full cast joining Debbie Kurup, Danielle Steers and Millie O’Connell, all starring as Cher – Star, Lady and Babe respectively.

Lucas Rush will play Sonny, Jake Mitchell will play Bob Mackie, Sam Ferriday will play Greg Allman and Tori Scott will play Georgia. Joining them are Jordan Anderton, Jasmine Jules Andrews, Carla Bertran, Catherine Cornwall, Áine Curran, Sam Holden, Samantha Ivey, Aston Newman Hannington, Ingrid Olivia, Clayton Rosa, Chay Wills and Guy Woolf.

With book by Tony and Olivier Award-winning Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, The Addams Family, Peter and the Starcatcher), direction by Arlene Phillips (Saturday Night Fever, Starlight Express, Grease), choreography by Oti Mabuse (two-time Strictly Come Dancing champion) and costume design by Gabriella Slade (Six, In The Heights, Spice World 2019 Tour), the UK & Ireland Tour will open at Leicester’s Curve on 15 April 2022 and will continue through to 1 April 2023.

From a young child with big dreams, the shy daughter of an Armenian American truck driver, to the dizzying heights of global stardom, The Cher Show tells the incredible story of Cher’s meteoric rise to fame.  Cher takes the audience by the hand and introduces them to the influential people in her life, from her mother and Sonny Bono, to fashion designer and costumier Bob Mackie.  It shows how she battled the men who underestimated her, fought the conventions and, above all, was a trailblazer for independence.  

The musical is packed with 35 of her biggest hits, including ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’, ‘I Got You Babe’, ‘Strong Enough’, ‘The Shoop Shoop Song’ and ‘Believe’.  

With over 100 million record sales, an Academy Award®, an Emmy®, a Grammy®, three Golden Globes® and an award from The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Cher has influenced popular culture more than most.  Her on-screen career started in 1971 with her weekly television show that attracted 30 million viewers a week, and went on to include starring roles in iconic films from Moonstruck, for which she won the Oscar for Best Actress, to Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!, which prompted the New York Magazine to realise “every single movie—no matter how flawless—would be infinitely better if it included Cher.”  Her ‘Farewell Tour’ became the highest grossing music tour in history – in true Cher fashion, she followed up her ‘Farewell Tour’ with two further sell-out, worldwide arena tours.  She is the only artist in history to have a number one hit in the Billboard chart for six consecutive decades; an achievement that caused Vogue to deem her “eternally relevant and the ruler of outré reinvention”.  She became known as the Queen of Reinvention. 

In the 1990s, she established The Cher Charitable Foundation to support causes around the world.  She has been a long-time donor and supporter of Habitat for Humanity, The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and Keep A Child Alive, an organisation that helps to combat the AIDs epidemic.  Most recently, she co-founded Free the Wild to help rescue Kaavan the Asian elephant from Islamabad zoo.

Written by Tony Award-winning Rick Elice, The Cher Show made its debut on Broadway in 2018 in a production that earned two Tony Awards and delighted fans from around the world.  This new production will be the European premiere.

The Cher Show UK & Ireland Tour will have set design by Tom Rogers, musical supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Rich Morris, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Dan Samson, music production by Gary Hickeson, wigs, hair and make-up design by Sam Cox, associate direction by James Cousins, associate choreography by James Bennett, musical direction by Danny Belton and casting by Will Burton CDG.

The Cher Show UK & Ireland Tour is produced by ROYO with Fiery Angel, Cuffe & Taylor/LIVE NATION and Playing Field in association with Tilted, Aria Entertainment and JONES Theatrical Group.

Website: www.cheronstage.com
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @TheCherShowUK
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Friday, 25 February 2022

Millie O’Connell, Danielle Steers and Debbie Kurup to Play Cher in The Cher Show

“All of us invent ourselves.

Some of us just have more imagination than others.”CHER

The producers of the brand new production of The Cher Show are delighted to announce that the role of Cher will be played by Debbie Kurup, Danielle Steers and Millie O’Connell. The production features the actresses portraying Cher in three different ways throughout her iconic career, with Debbie as ‘Star’, Danielle as ‘Lady’ and Millie as ‘Babe’.  Further casting is to be announced.

 

With book by Tony and Olivier Award-winning Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, The Addams Family, Peter and the Starcatcher), direction by Arlene Phillips (Saturday Night Fever, Starlight Express, Grease), choreography by Oti Mabuse (two-time Strictly Come Dancing champion) and costume design by Gabriella Slade (Six, In The Heights, Spice World 2019 Tour), the UK & Ireland Tour will open at Leicester’s Curve on 15 April 2022 and will continue through to 1 April 2023.

 

Debbie Kurup’s theatre credits include Bonnie & Clyde (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), Queen Tuya in The Prince of Egypt (Dominion), Blues in the Night (Kiln), Sweet Charity (Donmar Warehouse), Mrs Neilsen in Girl From The North Country (Old Vic/ Noël Coward), The Threepenny Opera (NT), Anything Goes (Sheffield Crucible/UK Tour), Nikki Marron in The Bodyguard (Adelphi - Olivier Award nomination for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical), Velma Kelly in Chicago (Cambridge/Adelphi), Sister Act (London Palladium), East (Leicester Curve), West Side Story (Prince of Wales), Tonight’s The Night (Victoria Palace), Rent (Prince of Wales/UK Tour), Fame (UK Tour), Guys And Dolls (Sheffield Crucible), Pal Joey (Chichester) and Boogie Nights (Savoy).

 

Danielle Steers’s theatre credits include The Empress in Aladdin (Theatre Royal, Plymouth),  Catherine Parr in Six The Musical (London), Zahara in the original cast of Bat out of Hell: The Musical (Manchester Opera House, London Coliseum, Ed Mirvish Theatre, Toronto, Dominion Theatre, New York City Centre), Carmen in Sweet Charity (Donmar Warehouse), Lead Shirelle in the original London cast of Beautiful - The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre), swing and cover Nikki Marron in The Bodyguard (Adelphi Theatre) and cover Killer Queen in We Will Rock You (International Arena Tour). Her debut album, The Future Ain't What It Used To Be, was released in 2021.

 

Millie O’Connell’s theatre credits include Maureen in Rent (Hope Mill Theatre - WOS Award Nomination), Jeanie in Hair (Turbine Theatre), Chloe Valentine in Be More Chill (Shaftesbury Theatre and The Other Palace), Anne Boleyn in SIX: The Musical (UK Tour and Arts Theatre, London - Olivier Award nominated), Ensemble/cover Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie (UK Tour), Ensemble/Understudy Annie in 42nd Street (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), Ensemble/Understudy Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street (Theatre Du Chatelet).

 

From a young child with big dreams, the shy daughter of an Armenian American truck driver, to the dizzying heights of global stardom, The Cher Show tells the incredible story of Cher’s meteoric rise to fame.  Cher takes the audience by the hand and introduces them to the influential people in her life, from her mother and Sonny Bono, to fashion designer and costumier Bob Mackie.  It shows how she battled the men who underestimated her, fought the conventions and, above all, was a trailblazer for independence.  

 

The musical is packed with 35 of her biggest hits, including ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’, ‘I Got You Babe’, ‘Strong Enough’, ‘The Shoop Shoop Song’ and ‘Believe’.  

 

With over 100 million record sales, an Academy Award®, an Emmy®, a Grammy®, three Golden Globes® and an award from The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Cher has influenced popular culture more than most.  Her on-screen career started in 1971 with her weekly television show that attracted 30 million viewers a week, and went on to include starring roles in iconic films from Moonstruck, for which she won the Oscar for Best Actress, to Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!, which prompted the New York Magazine to realise “every single movie—no matter how flawless—would be infinitely better if it included Cher.”  Her ‘Farewell Tour’ became the highest grossing music tour in history – in true Cher fashion, she followed up her ‘Farewell Tour’ with two further sell-out, worldwide arena tours.  She is the only artist in history to have a number one hit in the Billboard chart for six consecutive decades; an achievement that caused Vogue to deem her “eternally relevant and the ruler of outré reinvention”.  She became known as the Queen of Reinvention. 

 

In the 1990s, she established The Cher Charitable Foundation to support causes around the world.  She has been a long-time donor and supporter of Habitat for Humanity, The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and Keep A Child Alive, an organisation that helps to combat the AIDs epidemic.  Most recently, she co-founded Free the Wild to help rescue Kaavan the Asian elephant from Islamabad zoo.

 

Written by Tony Award-winning Rick Elice, The Cher Show made its debut on Broadway in 2018 in a production that earned two Tony Awards and delighted fans from around the world.  This new production will be the European premiere.

 

The Cher Show UK & Ireland Tour will have set design by Tom Rogers, musical supervision by Rich Morris, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Dan Samson, music production by Gary Hickeson, wigs, hair and make-up design by Sam Cox, associate direction by James Cousins, associate choreography by James Bennett and casting by Will Burton CDG.

 

The Cher Show UK & Ireland Tour is produced by ROYO with Fiery Angel, Cuffe & Taylor/LIVE NATION and Playing Field in association with Tilted, Aria Entertainment and JONES Theatrical Group.

 

Website: www.cheronstage.com

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @TheCherShowUK


photo credit: Matt Crockett


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Wednesday, 20 October 2021

9 to 5 The Musical (UK Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review


9 to 5 The Musical (UK Tour) 
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 19th October by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★

If a night of carefree fun is what you're after, look no further than the girl-power, 80s musical that is 9 to 5. Telling the tale of a group of women who are fed up of their misogynistic boss, the show is filled with tongue-in-cheek moments, high energy choreography and of course, the Queen of Country herself: Dolly.

Having seen this show in its various iterations, what's quite amazing is how it retains it's intensity and lavishness wherever it's situated. Musically, Dolly Parton's score pared with arrangements by Stephen Oremus, Alex Lacamoire and Mark Crossland is catchy and toe-tapping, whilst,  Lisa Stevens' buoyant choreography keeps the momentum of the show going and provides there's always action across the stage. Tom Rogers' design which consists mostly of screens which light up various colours and desks which come in and out, is very effective and adds to the upbeat feel of the entire production.

Jeff Calhoun's production features a fantastic cast who perform with vigour and drive. Stephanie Chandos completely shines as Dolly's character, Doralee Rhodes. Funny, feisty and instantly likeable, Stephanie brings warmth to the role and provides a wonderful moment with Backwards Barbie. Vivian Panka is charming as the naive Judy Bernly who becomes an independent woman and finds herself throughout the show. Her rendition of Get Out and Stay Out is a real highlight and her overall performance is top notch. Louise Redhnapp is entertaining and capable as long term office employee, Violet Newstead. Together the trio are a real force as they take drastic measures to show their sexist boss, Franklin Hart Jnr. (played with faultless comic timing by Sean Needham) who's really in charge.

It's almost forty years since Violet, Judy, Doralee and their misogynistic boss made their way to screens in the film 9 to 5. But book writer, Patricia Resnick shows that whilst times have changed, unfortunately many of the issues are still prevalent and this remains a strong and necessary advocator of workplace (and life) equality. With a second act of just 45 minutes, this is a crowd-pleasing-production which flies by and serves up female-led-feel-good-fun on a shining platter. 

photo credit: Pamela Raith
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Wednesday, 1 May 2019

Madagascar the Musical (UK Tour), New Theatre Oxford | Review


Madagascar the Musical
New Theatre Oxford
Reviewed on Tuesday 30th April 2019 by Emma Gradwell
★★★★

Spotlights spiral around the auditorium, a crate flies open and a monkey threatens to throw poop at us if we use our mobile phones – the tone is immediately set for Madagascar the Musical. 

Set designer, Tom Rogers does a magnificent job. The stage is surrounded by packing crates that may contain some surprises, and moving pieces that instantly transform the set into a zoo, Grand Central Station and the jungles of Madagascar. The human ‘animals’ are visually engaging, with clever costumes from Robert Alsopp that help to give them an uncanny resemblance to their animated counterparts. 

Matt Terry is a nimble and energetic Alex the lion, who along with Antoine Murray Straughan as Marty the zebra, relentlessly bound about the stage with fun-filled choreography provided by Fabian Aloise. Terry’s vocals are great and he is engaging and likeable. Timmika Ramsay shines as the sassy Hippo, Gloria and her vocals stand out among the leads. 


Jo Parsons shuffles onto the stage after the interval as the ridiculous King Julien, a lemur with a crazy, indeterminate accent. This is when the production really comes alive. Aside from the leads, all of the creatures are represented by puppets and are voiced by a talented team. The penguins waddle out and are hilarious and endearing. Led by Shane McDaid as Skipper they deliver some cherished lines from the film: “Smile and wave boys, smile and wave”. The team switch seamlessly between characters, their voices providing much visual joy to the proceedings. Jessica Niles as Mort the tiny lemur is unbearably cute. 

While the musical numbers are not going to set the world alight, Madagascar the Musical makes up for it with charm and spectacle. There is enough to entertain the adults (rectal thermometers and a couple of drug-fuelled dream sequences), but it remains at heart a children’s show. It’s a ninety minute escape from technology and provides the innocence needed for an uncomplicated and fun evening. The faces of the young audience as they flossed and sang along with King Julien were an absolute joy, and that surely has to be a job well done.

Madagascar runs at the New Theatre Oxford until May 4th before continuing its tour

photo credit: Scott Rylander
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