Book: Shaun Kitchener

Director: Rachel Kavanaugh

Get your party on with Here & Now, the hilarious, brand-new musical based on the songs of multi-million-selling pop phenomenon, Steps. This feel-good celebration of love and friendship is currently touring the UK & Ireland following a record-breaking world premiere.

The story unfolds on a vibrant Friday night where Caz (Lara Denning) and her fabulous friends are dreaming of that perfect summer of love. However, when Caz’s ‘happy ever after’ unravels and the group’s romantic endeavours descend into chaos, they are left questioning whether love will ever get a hold on their hearts – or if it is time to simply take a chance on their own happy ending.

Audiences are invited to move their feet and feel the beat to iconic pop anthems in what has been described as “musical heaven” (The Star on Sunday). Produced by Steps themselves alongside ROYO and Pete Waterman, Here & Now features all the hits fans adore: One for Sorrow, Better The Devil You Know, Deeper Shade of Blue, 5, 6, 7, 8 and many more.

Directed by award-winning Rachel Kavanaugh (Half a Sixpence; The Great British Bake Off Musical), this original British musical captures both nostalgia and contemporary flair. Steps, comprising Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, Ian ‘H’ Watkins, Lee Latchford-Evans and Lisa Scott-Lee, stand as the UK’s most successful mixed sex pop group with an impressive catalogue: fourteen top five singles; four number one albums; over twenty-two million record sales; five hundred million streams; and eleven sold-out national arena tours.

From chart-topping hits like Tragedy/Heartbeat and Stomp to gold-certified favourites such as One For Sorrow & Better Best Forgotten – and silver-certified classics including 5,6,7,8 – Here & Now brings together generations in an uplifting tribute to enduring pop excellence. Now truly is the time for feeling alright – do not miss out on experiencing this joyous new chapter in British musical theatre.

Here & Now: The Steps Musical delivers an exuberant celebration of pop culture that leaves audiences thoroughly entertained from start to finish. This musical has everything: foot-tapping music that pays homage to the iconic sounds of Steps, catchy dance moves executed with precision and flair, heartfelt narratives that explore themes of love and friendship, as well as a perfect balance of humour and heartbreak (trigger warning – baby loss). A particular highlight is the dazzling drag act featuring the stunning River Medway as Jem, whose performance brings both charisma and depth to the production. As the show draws to a close, theatre-goers are treated to an electrifying megamix finale, inviting everyone in the audience to get their party on. Here & Now stands out not only for its nostalgic appeal but also for its ability to create an inclusive atmosphere where joy is truly infectious.

It has to be said that, at times, the narrative in Here & Now feels very rushed, with so much crammed into one musical. While the production undoubtedly delivers on energy and spectacle, there are moments where character development is sacrificed in favour of moving swiftly from one plot point to the next. This pacing can leave audiences feeling as though they are watching a soap opera on fast forward – important emotional beats are occasionally glossed over in order to accommodate the sheer volume of storylines.

Despite this, fans of Steps will appreciate the effort to weave beloved hits into a cohesive storyline. However, a more measured approach might have allowed for deeper engagement with both characters and themes. As it stands, Here & Now offers an entertaining evening but could benefit from allowing its narrative moments room to breathe amidst the exuberance.

Whether you are a Steps mega fan, or wouldn’t know what to do if somebody yelled 5,6,7,8 at you, you certainly will not be disappointed by the “Foot kickin’, finger clickin’, leather slapping, hand clappin’, hip bumpin’, music thumpin’, knee hitchin’, heel and toe floor scuffin’, leg shufflin’, big grinnin’, body spinnin’, rompin’ stompin’, pumpin’ jumpin’, slidin’ glidin’, here we go” Musical. This vibrant production captures the spirit of Steps with remarkable precision and exuberance.

The show is a dazzling celebration of the iconic pop group’s legacy, seamlessly weaving their greatest hits into an engaging narrative that appeals to both devoted fans and newcomers alike. From energetic choreography to pitch-perfect harmonies, every element reflects a deep respect for the band’s enduring appeal. The cast delivers performances brimming with charisma and infectious enthusiasm, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with Steps’ discography are quickly swept up in the joy.

In summary, Here & Now is not merely a tribute; it is an immersive experience that brings audiences together through nostalgia and sheer entertainment value. Whether you arrive humming every lyric or simply curious about what all the fuss is about, this musical promises an evening of unbridled fun that will leave you smiling long after the final curtain call.

Runs 18th to 22nd November 2025, before continuing on tour

The Reviews Hub Star Rating

90%

Foot kickin’, finger clickin’