Here and Now | Manchester Opera House

After a UK Premiere at The Alexandra in Birmingham last year, Here and Now, which is written by Shaun Kitchener and directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, embarks on its first UK and Ireland Tour. Steps are undoubtedly one of the most successful UK pop groups, known for their feel-good style, catchy songs and upbeat dance routines, so it seems fitting that they've become one of the most recent bands to have their own Jukebox Musical.

Set in the fictional seaside town superstore Better Best Bargains, four work friends make a pact on the "pineapple of destiny" with the Summer of Love looming, as they all promise each other to find love and happiness. Caz, who is approaching her 50th birthday, is currently in the process of adopting, whilst Robbie is struggling to get past a series of hook ups and find love due to his dad's inability to accept his sexuality. Neeta is in love with co-worker Ben but doesn't have the confidence to tell him, and Vel who is currently in a relationship with co-worker, feels stuck in the relationship but can't seem to build up the courage to end things.

Each of the four friends has their own personal issues, and Kitchener does well to build on these characters and their worlds, whilst also developing the narrative of the workplace. However, it does feel, at times, that the overall tone of the show is inconsistent. Kitchener's script is quick-witted, farcical and chaotic, with an abundance of wordplay to delight the most hardcore Steps fans. And there are moments of heartfelt sincerity, yet this reviewer wishes they were lent into a little bit more.

Rebecca Lock returns to her role as Caz, bringing an incredibly emotionally charged performance with stunning powerhouse vocals. Blake Patrick Anderson is charming, with a portrayal of his character's internal struggles and chemistry with River Medway as Jem feeling authentic. Medway makes a lasting impression on the show with a standout rendition of Chain Reaction. Finty Williams as superstore manager steals the show with her fleeting moments of comedy. The ensemble are high energy and impactful, with their ensemble dance numbers by the incredible Matt Cole elevating the performance further. Each member of the ensemble is clearly having a great time on stage, however, a shout out here must be given to Albert Green, who has a captivating stage presence in the ensemble numbers.

Whilst one can expect to go into this show and expect all the upbeat and catchy numbers, Matt Spencer Smith's orchestrations have ensured that the songs bring emotional depth to the story, and whilst occasionally a song does feel shoehorned in, most of the numbers are effective in moving the story along. Howard Hudson once again hits the mark with lighting design, with the harsh fluorescent lighting of the superstore to the vibrant neon pinks and blues, each scene is captivating. Tom Rogers set design places us in the superstore with stacked shelves and movable tills, with aisles numbered 5, 6, 7, 8 and a trash can labelled "trasheddy", a delight for fans to spot all the different Easter Eggs.

Ultimately, Here and Now bursts onto the stage with an infectious energy and an abundance of fun, and celebrates the incredible legacy of Steps. There's something in this musical for both the hardcore Steps fans, to the general theatregoer.

Here and Now runs at the Opera House in Manchester until Saturday 13th September 2025 before continuing on its UK and Ireland Tour.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Pamela Raith