Here and Now – Sheffield Lyceum

There are certain birthdays in your life that make you think. What is that makes you happy? What does it mean to love and be loved? And just what does your future hold? In Here and Now: the STEPS musical, we meet Caz approaching her 50th birthday, asking those questions of herself and her close group of friends who all work together at the local supermarket.

This is not just another jukebox musical. The creative team has delivered a story – written by Shaun Kitchener – with real heart and convincing vulnerability, peppered with just the right amount of camp and chaos you would expect from the music of STEPS! Director Rachel Kavanaugh has cleverly and successfully woven together the expectations of a solid pop fanbase with the desire to make a compelling piece of musical theatre, even for those who are less familiar with the musical origins.

Everything about this show is colourful and vibrant, from the set by Tom Rogers to the costumes by Gabriella Slade, and from the hair and makeup by Sam Cox and Jackie Saundercock to the lighting by Howard Hudson. Added to this visual feast, the choreography by Matt Cole stretches the uses of a shopping trolley, and the capacity of the human body, beyond all expectation and really completes the picture.

No review of ‘the STEPS musical’ could fail to mention the music, and the people who bring it to life. A carefully constructed sound design (Adam Fisher) underpins some truly spectacular – or, should that be steptacular? – arrangements of the soundtrack to my youth, which have been thoughtfully arranged by Matt Spencer-Smith to suit both talent on the stage and context within the story.

The work rate of this cast is not to be underestimated. Every performer seems to move effortlessly from banger to ballad and back again, but make no mistake, this team is working HARD! I was exhausted just watching, and I was constantly impressed. Lara Denning, who recently joined the touring cast as Caz, Jacqui Dubois, Rosie Singha and Blake Patrick Anderson demonstrate a brilliant balance of friendship and heartbreak, vocal gymnastics and quiet confidence, and they draw you in at every moment of the story as they each seek their happy ending. And while the four friends at the heart of this story deserve this mention, the entire cast should be commended for their energy from start to finish. Even after three months on the road, this show still looks fresh and exciting, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

This show is a perfect example of a new show that knows what it is and what it is trying to do, exuding joy from every lightbulb and every note. So, take a chance on your own happy ending… at least a happy ending to your evening… and grab a ticket!

Here and Now: the STEPS musical continues at the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield until Saturday 22 November, with accessible performances on 20 and 22 November. More details and ticket information can be found on the website: Here & Now | Sheffield Theatres. The tour then continues around the country until May 2026; details of all the tour venues can be found here: HERE & NOW | The Steps Musical

Reviewer: Jo Tillotson

Reviewed: 18th November 2025

North West End UK Rating: