Here & Now: The Steps Musical is the ultimate night of nostalgia for dance-pop fansThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreLiverpool Empire TheatreLiverpool Empire Theatre(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

Bubblegum pink and baby blue supermarket uniforms, washing machines with disco ball doors, and a drag queen singing Step’s ‘Chain Reaction’ dressed as a bag of frozen goods. I knew this wasn’t going to be your bog-standard musical when I took my seat at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre last night.

As I sat down with a glittery programme in hand, I was immediately hit by the fluorescent supermarket shelves stacked on the famous theatre stage.

Its beautiful crimson and gold arches now clashing with an in-your-face seaside supermarket. Aisles 5, 6, 7 and 8 were glistening above the stage. I was waiting to watch Here & Now: The Steps Musical.

As the UK’s most successful mixed-gender group of all time, it’s no surprise that Steps’ back catalogue of ’90s pop hits have been transformed into a jukebox musical. The group, formed of Claire, H, Faye, Lee and Lisa, are known for party anthems like ‘Tragedy’ and ‘Deeper Shade of Blue’.

The show is set to run at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre until Saturday, November 29.

Here & Now: Steps the MusicalThe cast of Here & Now: Steps the Musical(Image: Pamela Raith)

Here & Now: The Steps Musical follows the lives of four supermarket workers at seaside supermarket, Better Best Bargains. Supermarket employee Caz (Laura Denning) seems to have her life all figured out, until her happy ending is suddenly snatched from her.

Not allowing things to get the better of them, her friends and colleagues Vel (Jacqui Dubois), Neeta (Rosie Singha) and Robbie (Blake Patrick Anderson) embark on a summer of love while facing life’s ups and downs.

The plot takes shape with Steps’ many hits, with ‘After The Love Has Gone’ becoming an emotional ballad performed by the show’s talented lead. Laura Denning is an incredible performer and captures Caz’s heart-rending story with her moving performances throughout the show.

From left to right: Caz (Laura Denning) and Neeta (Blake Patrick Anderson) in Here & Now: Steps the MusicalFrom left to right: Caz (Laura Denning) and Neeta (Blake Patrick Anderson) in Here & Now: Steps the Musical(Image: Pamela Raith)

The cast were fantastic. Rosie Singha and Blake Patrick Anderson brought comedy into the show with their funny performances as two young people falling in love.

But it was some of the show’s best-known, upbeat numbers that really brought the show to life. ‘Better The Devil You Know’ was energetic with great vocals, and had the audience clapping in their seats. The routines from choreographer Matt Cole were great, with shopping trolleys, price guns and other everyday supermarket items all getting their shining moment.

My only criticism was the illuminating supermarket shelves set pieces. They were a good addition for the scenes set within the supermarket itself, but ultimately became quite distracting when we ventured to different settings such as the back of the store, airport or staff room.

The show’s finale finished with an over-the-top mega mix of Steps’ best tunes. It was camp, flamboyant and the perfect ending for an ultimate night of dance-pop nostalgia.

More information on how to book tickets can be found on the ATG website.