Review: NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, New Wimbledon Theatre

Picture the scene: Suburban Birmingham, 1989 (or so we’re led to believe, although based on the accents and music, I’m not sure. More later).

Written by Pippa Evans, the production has arrived in Wimbledon as part of its nationwide tour. With choreography and direction provided by TV’s Craig Revel Horwood, you would expect a show worthy of his elusive ‘10’ paddle. Sadly, it will be a ‘3’ from me.

The production starts with sound problems and the music seems far too loud for the size of the theatre which immediately sets things off on the wrong foot. This continues into some of the songs where powerful voices aren’t in sync. We join a scene at ‘The Palace’ pub where a 1989 class reunion is taking place. The initial scene is bustling with the entire 18-member cast on stage. Here we meet adult Gemma (Nina Wadia) and her brother Frank (Shakil Hussain), as they assess the room. Both are keen for the arrival of April, Gemma’s long-lost best friend and Frank’s teenage crush. Mid-scene we see the arrival of two schoolgirls. After a good few minutes, it dawns that this is a flashback to teenage Gemma and April. More could be done here to set the scene.

The first half sees best pals Gemma (Nikita Johal) and April (Maia Hawkins) with big hair and big dreams, navigating their way through teenage angst and trying out the latest technology (Sony Walkman, anyone?). Some basic, cliché-filled storylines are performed to sounds of the era. Despite the aforementioned sound issues, vocally both Johal and Hawkins are strong. Better individually than together, although attempting to sing anything with a Birmingham accent would challenge even the most accomplished singer. Hawkins’ version of ‘Everybody Wants To Rule The World’ is a highlight. As the story progresses, some inexplicable dance sequences are performed; three couples dance the Argentine Tango and an array of dancers wear TV sets as headwear for ‘Video Killed The Radio Star’. 

As our plucky duo hit their late-teens we see relationships and plans develop and the two part ways. We return to the reunion and the arrival of adult April (Sam Bailey). At this point, I’m sure I wasn’t alone in thinking ‘where the heck is 80’s pop sensation Sonia, billed as one of the stars of the show?’.

In the second half, we focus on adult Gemma and April and what has happened in the intervening years. More songs of the era are forthcoming and even though we’re now in 2009, we’re still very much stuck in the 80’s musically. The highlight this time though is the powerhouse vocals of former X-Factor winner Bailey. Rather mismatched with the vocally-challenged Wadia on their duets, Bailey really stands out in her solo performances. But why aren’t there more of them? A big wasted opportunity here when some of the filler scenes could have been cut completely.

We finally, and briefly, see Sonia during a dream-like sequence, which is disappointing for fans when she is billed as one of the headline stars. In a flash of clichéd feathers and glitter, she’s been and gone.

The basic, rather predictable plot lingers on and a good 30 minutes could be shaved off the 140-minute performance. That being said, the very willing cast give it their all throughout and there are some comedy moments, mostly at the expense of some stereotypical 80’s characters. 

This show very much knows its audience and treats them to several extra-special guests in the somewhat disconnected finale. I won’t spoil the surprise but let’s just say, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

Written by: Pippa Evans
Directed & Choreographed by: Craig Revel-Horwood

NOW That’s What I Call A Musical plays at New Wimbledon Theatre until Saturday 12 April