Now that’s what I call a…. trip down memory lane for an 80’s kid! I was smiling until my jaw ached as the now 40 year old ‘Now That’s What I Call’ music CD phenomenon blasted out the songs of my youth.
The music is prominent in Now, That’s What I Call a Musical as the name implies…The production is unapologetically nostalgic and a little lacking in depth at times, but the soundtrack of a generation takes centre stage as the story underscores the songs for once. And it works a treat!
Penned by comedian Pippa Evans and inspired from the screenplay ‘The Video Help Service’ by Ian W Brown, Lotte Mullan and Natalie Malla, the story starts in 2009 and thrusts us back into 1989. Cleverly directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, we are greeted by two simultaneous time eras as we see the characters deal with the present and the past and the aftermath as they live out the reality of their teenage dreams. At a 2009 school reunion we meet Gemma who is waiting and hoping for her childhood best friend to arrive. We meet ex-students and teachers as the story of schoolgirl Gemma’s friendship with best friend April unfolds before us. The casting in this show is a real strength and spot on. The older Gemma is played by Nina Wadia who gives the most emotive performance of the night and is a subtle strength in the role. Her young self is played by Nikita Johal, who oozes great warmth and a depth that entraps the audience. The older April is not seen until the very end of Act one, but we are wowed by Maia Hawkins as the younger version of April (this young lady have me transfixed and her vocals were stunning – performer of the show in my opinion). April’s older self – Melissa Jacques is exactly what you would expect Hawkin’s younger self to become…watch out for these powerhouse vocals too! I must state again… exceptional casting by Annelie Powell CDG, not only as characters but visually as well. As we explore the girl’s lives, we realise things did not turn out exactly as their young selves envisaged. From Gemma’s ‘Tainted Love’ to supercilious husband Tim (older- Chris Grahamson, younger – Kieran Cooper) and Gemma’s Brother Frank’s (older- Shakil Hussain, younger – Luke Latchman) fixation with April, Barney’s (Callum Tempest) unrequited love and Steve’s (Phil Sealey) meteoric transformation, we are carried along by lyrics of songs that we know so well but are performed to give new meaning. There are some lovely moments exploring the passionate but more mature love of Gemma’s parents played by Christopher Glover and Poppy Tierney.
The set and costumes by Tom Rogers and Toots Butcher are wonderful. The ensemble costumes are perfectly of era with all the sparkle of Top of the Pops. Match those costumes with a strong diverse ensemble and some very clever and anything but ‘run of the mill’ choreography and you have pure ‘Gold’. The manipulation of the set is wonderful by the cast as Bars and Beds slip out of walls and Pubs open into Video Shops with rows of classic 80’s films. Like the music the scene changes are constructed and then synthesised to perfection. The lighting by Ben Cracknell is exceptionally detailed with neon cassettes lining the proscenium arch and lighting in places around the set that give the stage an ambience and realistic grounding. Sound Designer Adam Fisher ensures all is heard in equal parts and the band sounds sweet. Some lovely 3-part harmony mixing on the sound desk!
Now a ‘mention’ of the seat filling star vehicle Sinitta, her role is tiny and to be honest doesn’t move the story forward at all. Her performance of one of her songs is done well but not needed in reality! Bums on seats keeps a tour running.
From the pen of Pippa Evans, it was obvious there would be plenty of moments of hilarity and you won’t be disappointed. A real, feel-good night of entertainment that has you smiling from ear to ear with the nostalgic hedonism of iconic 80’s songs, every one as popular as the next! The production runs at the Sheffield Lyceum until Saturday 14th September before continuing its UK tour.
Big hits are a big hitter!
Reviewed: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 10th September 2024
North West End UK Rating: