Here & Now: The Steps Musical

Set in your average seaside town, is an average supermarket, with average workers, who happen to have the most extraordinary voices, dance moves, and somehow also uniforms. Dazzling in a shade of 'neon blue' the shop floor workers of "Better Best Buy" take the audience through a scandalous summer, set to the music of 90s pop group "STEPS".

This deliciously camp show is filled with eccentric dance moves, beloved melodies, and so much dazzle that the audience's eyes are open so wide you could see the shiny reflection of the show in them if you looked hard enough. Plus the STEPS soundtrack has the audience unable to stop toe-tapping to the beat. Although it plays into the light-hearted and beautifully cheesy moments, beneath the dazzle is true talent and unbridled enthusiasm.

The entire cast posesses exceptionally strong vocals and movement, with the four leading characters heading up the front leading with extraordinary example. Vel (Jacqui Dubois), Neeta (Rosie Singer), and Robbie (Blake Patrick Anderson), share the stage for the majority of the show as they belt iconic 90s pop tracks in a way that could put them back at the top of the charts. Stand out songs include "Best Better Forgotten", which is rightfully reprised, and "Deeper Shade of Blue", both of which slip seamlessly into the plot. The hit track "5,6,7,8" is naturally the most tenuously linked song within the musical, and yet the way it is performed with character, humour, and flamboyance, leaves nobody questioning whether it is canon.

The cast is lead by Rebecca Lock who plays salt-of-the-earth character "Caz". She is rarely off stage and somehow brings new energy to each number she performs, every one more powerful than the last. Ranging from heartfelt ballads to impressive belts that reach the back of the theatre, she still executes has the intricate contemporary choreography exceptionally. Lock's performance never misses a beat and as a result she is the lynchpin of the entire show, and a part of what makes Here & Now such a showstopper.

While it can be argued that the plot of musicals naturally are secondary to the focal point which is the driving force of enjoyment, the story in Here & Now does not disappoint. It offers relatable, everyday characters going through their normal lives, but with a whole lot of drama and comedic moments. Contrarily, it is the mundaneness of the characters and setting which make the story so vibrant. The plot lines follow those which relate to people within your own life, which is what gives the show so much personality and heart. The juxtaposition of the normality of the characters and the flashy performances presents an interesting and dynamic watch, relying not on fantasy or belief-suspending elements, but raw and real emotions and journeys.

If you are looking for lighthearted humour, touchingly real stories, larger-than-life musical numbers, and electric talent strong enough to power a time machine back to the 90s, then Here & Now is the show to see.

Theatre: New Wimbledon Theatre

Reviewer: Faith Blackden

Date: 05/11/2025

Star: 4