There’s a palpable buzz of excitement in the air at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham tonight – a shared sense of anticipation that something gloriously fun is about to unfold. Here and Now: The Steps Musical promises a glittering blend of 90s pop nostalgia and feel-good storytelling. As someone who grew up with the infectious energy of Steps blaring from every radio, I am curious to see how their iconic hits will translate onto the stage. Set in a fictional seaside supermarket, the musical follows four co-workers – Caz, Vel, Neeta, and Robbie – as they navigate life’s ups and downs, all accompanied by a soundtrack of Steps bangers.
Lara Denning as Caz is the emotional anchor of the show. She has an absolutely fabulous voice and gives the character real heart. Her rendition of “Heartbeat” in particular is so tender. This is an awe inspiring performance. Jacqui Dubois as Vel delivers sass and soul in equal measure, all with a glint in the eye. Rosie Singha gives us a Neeta with charm and innocence, and a real highlight of the evening is the extremely watchable Dean Rickards as Robbie, who exudes cheeky charm and vulnerability along with an endearing, exuberant energy. I also adore Finty Williams’ Patricia – camp and over the top in the best possible sense.
The whole ensemble cast is tighter than a pair of late 90s hotpants. The choreography (Matt Cole) is pure pop perfection – every stomp, clap, and jazz hand lands with precision and pizzazz. The supermarket set, designed by Tom Rogers, is a kaleidoscope of colour, complete with neon signage that screams “Summer of Love.” I half expected to see Aitch himself pop out of the frozen peas aisle.
Musically, it’s a non-stop parade of hits. “Tragedy” gets the full dramatic treatment—complete with slow-motion breakdowns and anguished glances. “Deeper Shade of Blue” becomes a moody anthem of self-discovery, while “After the Love Has Gone” is repurposed into a tearjerker that has audience members clutching their glowsticks for comfort. And yes, “5, 6, 7, 8” is performed with all the country and western glory it deserves. This opening night audience nearly sprain their dignity trying to line dance in the aisle. All accompanied by a cracking live band under the superb direction of Georgia Rawlins.
The show doesn’t shy away from emotional depth either. There’s a poignant subplot involving baby loss that’s handled with sensitivity and grace. It’s a reminder that beneath the glitter and grooves, Here and Now has heart – and not just the kind that love gets a hold of.
Director Rachel Kavanaugh keeps the pace brisk and the tone buoyant, never letting the energy flag. The transitions between songs and scenes are seamless, often feeling like one big extended music video. Costume designer Gabriella Slade deserves a standing ovation for the wardrobe alone – sequins, supermarket aprons, and platform trainers have never looked so fabulous.
If I had one gripe, it’s that the story occasionally takes a backseat to the music. They pack in a lot of songs. But let’s be honest: we’re here for the hits, not Hamlet. It is a jukebox musical in the best sense, and when the final medley of tracks kicks in, the volume is cranked to full blast and the theatre erupts into a euphoric dance party.
I’ll admit it: I went into Here and Now – the Steps Musical with my expectations set somewhere between “Better Best Forgotten” and “One for Sorrow.” But by the end of the night, I was tapping my feet, clicking my fingers, and swearing allegiance to the glitter gods of pop. This show is a neon-lit, supermarket-sweeping spectacle that left me grinning like I’d just won a trolley dash at Better Best Buys.
So, if you’re looking for a night of nostalgia, neon, and non-stop nineties joy, Here and Now is your ticket to pop paradise. It’s steps-tacular, stomptastic, and would be a true tragedy to miss it.
And it is at our very own Theatre Royal, Nottingham, until Sunday 16th November 2025.
