THE Band is a musical based on the music of Take That many of you will remember from the BBC talent show ‘Let It Shine’ seeking for the boys to make up the The Band. But it is much more than a jukebox musical taking a nostalgic look back at Take That. Written by Tim Firth it is a story of teenage fandom and friendship as we are taken through the highs and lows of five teenage girls before we are transported forward 30 years, meeting the girls, now adults, as they reunite and reveal the struggles and regrets they have gone through as they navigate adulthood.

The five friends are introduced to us with their different aspirations for their futures (university, Olympic diver, married with kids etc) but a shared passion for the teenage heartthrobs of The Band. Having won tickets to see the boys in concert on the way home they talk about their dreams for the future and staying together. An unfortunate incident later that night breaks the bonds of teenage friendship and we move forward to see the girls 30 years later, now grown with secrets that will soon be revealed.

I was captivated by the bonds between the teenage girls (Sophia Rose, Charlotte Carr, Gabby Salvin, Maddie Lee, and Amy Pearl Watt), they worked well together their individual characters were well defined with their joint bond being their heartthrobs. Whilst their older counterparts (Rachel Sowerby, Laura Judge, Jill Whitehouse, and Caroline Bayfield) having been apart for 30 years reunite at a comeback concert of The Band and reveal more about their individual journeys through life before pledging themselves to refocus and live their teenage dreams.

The boys of The Band (Josh Brocklebank, Connor Elliott, Paul Metcalfe, Jamie Wilkinson, and Alex Wright) provide the backdrop for the story with wonderful harmonies and move perfect dance moves. Integral and brilliant though they are not the beating heart of the show it is the heartwarming story of teenage girls and their journeys into adulthood.

Directed by Royston Bayfield with a gentle, soft touch allowing the cast to explore and express themselves in their roles. Choreographer Sarah Joice perfectly captured boyband moves and along with Dance Captain Beth Tonkin, have coached the cast in delivering them perfectly and effortlessly. Musical Director Danny Gamble commands the 5-piece band and along with Vocal Coach Marie Collins have brought out the harmonies in the well-known songs.

Peter Hargreaves’ lighting is sympathetic to the story whilst brilliantly bringing out the excitement of the concerts whilst Oliver Trenouth’s sound is well balanced without being too loud for the venue.

Whilst this could be viewed as simply a nostalgic look back at the iconic music of Take That it is much more. A story of the highs and lows of growing up, the complexities of navigating adult life with the loss of teenage dreams. Reminding us that the memories of our past continue to influence us going forward and the bonds of true friendship never break.

A show for those who are both fans of Take that and those who are not. It will make you laugh, guaranteed to make your feet tap, look back at your youth and the choices you made, it reminds us that whilst time moves on memories never fade.

BrassNeck Theatre’s The Band at Yeadon Town Hall runs from Tuesday, May 12 to Saturday, May 16th.

Tickets available at: ticketsource.com/brassnecktheatre