Here & Now – The Steps Musical at Winter Gardens Blackpool Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Cath
Here and Now is a new musical built around the songs of Steps, the British dance-pop group who burst onto the music scene in the late 1990s, quickly becoming big stars. With over twenty-two million records sold, fourteen top five singles, and a string of sold-out tours, they carved out a place as one of the most successful mixed groups of their time. Steps were the soundtrack to my youth and even now when I hear one of their songs on the radio, I am instantly transported straight back to my teenage years, remembering the fun that me and my friends had, crammed into one of our bedrooms with the CD player on repeat, determined to master every step of the routines.
It’s been a very long time since I attempted any of those fancy dance moves, but I do still know every word to all their songs, so I was very pleased to be invited to the opening night of the musical at Blackpool Opera House. As soon as we walked into the theatre the fantastic supermarket set, expertly designed by Tom Rogers immediately caught our eye and when the lights on the stage went on, we discovered it was awash with bold pinks and neon blues, bringing to mind the wonderfully over-the-top energy of Supermarket Sweep (a television programme of the same era) and setting the tone for the show ahead.
Based on a book by Shaun Kitchener the story follows a group of four friends who all work together in a seaside branch of the Better Best Bargains supermarket (the first of many Steps references). Caz (Laura Denning) and her friends Vel (Jacqui Dubois), Neeta (Rosie Singha) and Robbie (Blake Patrick Anderson) are all dreaming of a “Summer of Love.” As we follow the twists and turns of the story we discover plenty of secrets along the way, all tied up with the famous Steps songs.
Whilst this is a juke box musical the songs didn’t feel too shoehorned into the story, yes there were a few with a tenuous link, but overall we were pleasantly surprised at just how well they fitted into the musical. The main characters worked well together and with the whole cast energetically singing and dancing their way through twenty two Steps hits this is a show that will put a smile on your face whether you’re a fan of Steps or not. It’s really hard to pick a favourite part as the whole show was fantastic but we both agreed that Jem (River Medway) singing Chain Reaction in the Frozen Food aisle was a definite highlight of the night. Lara Denning also deserves a special mention, her vocal range was incredible and the audience absolutely loved her.
Whilst I was itching to sing along to every song, we stayed quiet until the ‘megamix’ finale where the whole audience were on their feet singing and dancing, which was a great end to a fantastic show.
Whether you are a diehard Steps fan or new to their music, it would be a “tragedy” not to see this musical whilst it’s showing at Blackpool this week!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £21.50
Here and Now is at Blackpool Opera House from 8th to the 12th April 2026..For more information or to book tickets visit https://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/events/here-now-the-steps- /or call the box office on 0844 770 0593