Now That’s What I Call a Musical at Alhambra Theatre Bradford Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Dottie Rood
Now this was what I would call a musical!
Now That’s What I Call a Musical is a brand-new musical comedy set in Birmingham. It starts out at a school re-union, then with some clever use of the characters coming on and off the stage you realise it is being portrayed across two generations. The basis of the story has been told before, in 1989 two very close teenage friends talk (and talk!) to each other about their dreams and aspirations, April to be a famous actress and Gemma a mum with children, and then fast forward 20 years to the school reunion to find out what happened; however, this has another dimension to it, the music! (oh, and definitely the comedy!)
If you were a fan of the ‘Now that’s what I call music’ cd’s (currently now known as just ‘Now’) back in the 80’s you will recognise all the songs in this musical that form the brilliant 80’s soundtrack, and even if you weren’t you will still love the vibrancy and sheer energy and fun of them.
Now that’s what I call music was first launched on 29th November 1983 by Sony and Universal Music, it was a compilation of the popular music of the time, so instead of buying lots of different records/cd’s you had them all in one place, genius! They became very popular and are still going strong today having produced over 116 volumes. ‘Now 120’ is due for release in March 2025 and they have even predicted ‘Now 200’ will be released in time for Christmas 2051! who knew back in the 80’s how successful they would be!
Back to Now that’s what I call a Musical! This musical was inspired by a screenplay, ‘The Video Help Service’ by Ian W Brown, Lotte Mullan and Natalie Malla and the book by Pippa Evans. It was directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood (of Strictly Come Dancing fame) and starred Nina Wadia (Gemma) with Nikita Johal as younger Gemma, Melissa Jacques (April) with Maia Hawkins as younger April, Shakil Hussain (Frank, Gemma’s younger brother) with Luke Latchman as younger Frank, Chris Graham (Gemma’s husband) with Blake Tuke as younger Tim, Phil Sealey (Steve) with Matthew Mori as younger Steve, Christopher Glover (Gemma’s Dad) and Poppy Tierney (Gemma’s Mum) and Callum Tempest(Barney, Gemma’s ‘love interest’). Not forgetting the brilliant ‘Ensemble’ of, Martha Pothen, Emily Barnett-Salter, Molly Cheesley, Stefanos Petri plus Lauren Hendricks (Ms Dorian, teacher). They were all enthusiastic and perfect in all their routines and numbers, of which all were brilliantly executed and fantastic to watch. Some of the standout moments were; when they performed the song What a Feeling, the stripper at the hen do, Oh Mickey (you’re so fine) and my stand out singer has to be Melissa Jacques! (although as I’ve said I think they were all fantastic). I should also mention there were a number of dance routines that can be seen as a ‘nod’ towards Strictly Come Dancing and were also brilliant.
Now that’s what I call a Musical is currently showing at the Alhambra theatre, Bradford until Saturday 19th October 2024. It started it’s run in Newcastle theatre Royal on 8th October and will continue this run until 12th April 2025 ending at the New Wimbledon theatre with an impressive 19 destinations in between, these are all over the country. I would highly recommend this show and I’m sure there will be a venue near you. It left me and my husband feeling really upbeat and energised. At the Alhambra we were also treated to a guest appearance from Jay Osmond (the guest appearances are different at each venue) which was both hilarious and fun. There was obviously a number of his fans in the theatre which added to the whole experience!
The Alhambra theatre is a medium sized theatre that has really good seats that are staggered behind each other so everyone has a good view, a fairly good selection of snacks and drinks and helpful staff.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £20.75 to £49.75
Now That’s What I Call a Musical is at Alhambra Theatre Bradford from Tuesday 15th October to Saturday 19th October 2024
For more information or to book tickets visit www.bradford-theatres.co.uk or call the box office on 01274431052
Theatre address: The Alhambra Theatre Morley Street Bradford BD71A