Historically, Mayflower Theatre has managed to cheer up dull January evenings over the years with a selection of feel good musicals – and the Steps’ official musical continues that trend.
For its opening night, Here & Now transports the audience to seaside superstore, Better Best Bargains, where a summer of love is on the cards for Caz and her friends, until tragedy strikes.
This joyful, feel-good night out focuses around the irresistible pop catalogue of Steps, including hits One for Sorrow and 5,6,7,8.
The set is simple and seems to work effortlessly, the costumes are sparkling, and the energetic choreography and staging has more cheese than Christmas!
Lara Denning, who was outstanding in & Juliet when it toured to Mayflower Theatre in 2024, is grounding in her performance as Caz, Jacqui Dubois adds comedic flair to her role as Vel, Blake Patrick Anderson is both charming and charismatic as Robbie, and Rosie Singha plays the bright and innocent Neeta,
But, special mentions for me have to go to Ben Darcy, as he brings a loveable warmth to his character with the same name, Ben – a role he seems to be made for – and River Medway, who delivers a fabulous and flamboyant portrayal of Jem – commanding a stage presence that the audience adores, especially in the show-stopping Chain Reaction.
While the plot can be a little light, the musical numbers and the ensemble’s infectious energy more than make up for it as you go on a nostalgic 90s’ journey that you just can’t beat, right Here & Now!
Tickets for Here & Now (Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 January 2026) are on sale at mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.
- In Common is not for profit. We rely on donations from readers to keep the site running. Could you help to support us for as little as 25p a week? Please help us to carry on offering independent grass roots media. Visit: https://www.patreon.com/incommonsoton