Review: Here and Now, New Wimbledon Theatre

I have always thought that the music of Steps would lend itself quite neatly to musical theatre. Many of their songs have a storytelling element and their music videos supported this beautifully. As a child in the early 2000s, I watched my VHS copy of Steps Gold so many times that it eventually wore out. I remember being completely entranced by the narratives in those videos. Because of that, I am genuinely surprised it has taken so long for a jukebox musical to be created using Steps’ hits.

The plot of Here and Now revolves around the staff of a supermarket called “Better Best Bargains,” its logo cleverly designed in the familiar Steps-style font. Caz (Rebecca Lock) is about to turn 50, and her colleagues are envious of her seemingly perfect life. She challenges them to embrace a “Summer of Love” and to connect or disconnect with their love interests. When Caz’s own life unravels very suddenly, it sets off a chain reaction (pun absolutely intended) that affects her four friends and their beloved workplace.

Lock is the perfect leading lady. With powerhouse vocals and a balance of comedy and emotional depth, she truly has it all. Jacqui Dubois shines as Vel, the colleague everyone wishes they had when the working day becomes too much of a grind. Full of infectious energy and comic brilliance, her timing is spot-on and her presence irresistible. Rosie Singha, fairly new to the stage, is definitely one to watch. Her portrayal of Neeta is so endearing that the audience cannot help but root for her. At one point, someone a few rows down from my seat shouted “Go on, girl!” and everyone loudly agreed. Blake Patrick Anderson delivers dynamic vocals and commands the stage with confidence, while also revealing moments of real vulnerability. His onstage relationship with Jem, played by River Medway, is heartfelt and delightful to watch. Finty Williams plays the much-hated manager, Patricia, with razor-sharp comic timing and just the right amount of villainous flair.

The choreography by Matt Cole is outstanding and bursting with energy, to the extent that at one point an ensemble member lost a shoe mid-routine, only to slickly pop it back on without missing a beat. This is a hardworking ensemble, dancing through intricate “trolleyography” while delivering tight harmonies that fill the theatre. There are several moments where classic Steps choreography appears, and it is so much fun to see it woven so cleverly into the show. The set design is simple but effective, with aisles 5, 6, 7 and 8 emblazoned across the top of the stage, in a perfect nod to one of Steps’ most iconic hits.

Jukebox musicals often suffer from plots that bend awkwardly to fit the songs, but Here and Now manages to avoid that trap. The story flows naturally and the music feels integral rather than forced. All the hits are there, from the slower, more reflective ballads that underscore emotional moments, to the high-energy tracks that fuel the show’s most exuberant scenes.

Here and Now is pure, feel-good fun, an unapologetic celebration of friendship, love and nostalgia. For fans of Steps and anyone who loves a good night of musical theatre escapism, it is a perfect match.

Book by Shaun Kitchener
Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh
Choreography by Matt Cole
Musical Supervisor, orchastration and arrangements by Matt Spencer-Smith
Lighting design by Howard Hudson
Set design by Tom Rogers
Costume design by Gabriella Slade
Sound design by Adam Fisher
Musical director: Georgia Rawlins
Produced by ROYO, Steps, Pete Waterman and Fascination Management

Here and Now plays at the New Wimbledon Theatre until Saturday 8th November 2025, before continuing on its UK tour through to May 2026