Photo: Pamela Raith
A new musical comedy hits UK theatres and transports its audiences back to the 80’s with pop-tastic hits, flashy routines and an empowering story of love and friendship.
Two high school friends dream of their futures, April wants to take Hollywood by storm, Gemma is quite content in Birmingham, but nothing is going to come between them. Fast forward twenty years to the high school reunion and the girls are confronted with their decisions, their love-lives and their futures ahead. Is their friendship going to conquer all? Or have they grown up and, ultimately, grown apart?
Now… isn’t anything ground-breaking, in fact it’s very familiar. It’s a story of every-day people, with songs we all know and love performed with gusto by a brilliant cast who represent a typical British city (kudos to Casting Director, Annelie Powell). Many jukebox musicals adhere to this formula guaranteeing them an audience of fans looking for a bit of fun and nostalgia. I’ve seen successes and failures in this genre so never have high hopes, but I’m happy to say I was surprised by this production.
Booming through the theatre, the songs feel as fresh as ever thanks to the incredible band (led by Georgia Rawlins). Accompanying the rousing orchestrations, the talented cast light up the stage with unrelenting choreography from Craig Revel Horwood. The Flashdance number was a massive highlight, and showcased Horwood’s skill at bringing his signature panache to the stage. Horwood’s direction is also as full-out as his choreography, never missing an opportunity for a gag or a knowing-wink to the audience.
Nina Wadia (Eastenders) is glorious as Gemma, tugging at the heart-strings continuously through her journey of self affirmation. She finds a balance of vulnerability and strength, played with a ton of heart that anchors the entire show (her drunk acting is also the funniest I’ve seen on a stage).
Playing her best friend, April, Sam Bailey is a theatrical tour-de-force. With the effortless vocals that won her the X Factor, Bailey storms the stage and grabs hold of the audience. But what I was most taken with was her tenderness playing a flawed and yet, lovable character.
Their younger counterparts (played by Nikita Johal and Maia Hawkins) were equally as delightful, both with captivating performances and show-stopping vocals.
As the 80s were zany and out there, Now.. does have its bizarre moments also. A fever dream where a guest star sings to Gemma, is followed by another dream where April is bullied by her younger self, and so the story clunks along to its next transition. It’s not the most smooth second half, but the audience don’t seem to mind as they sing along to Sonia’s classic Better the Devil You Know.
Now… doesn’t feel as vapid as some of its jukebox counterparts, it is unashamedly cheesy, but packs a punch. Yes, the songs may be shoe-horned in at times (Video Killed The Radio Star did appear out of nowhere) but these things can be forgiven thanks to Pippa Evans’ fantastic book. The characters are fully formed, relatable and witty, and alongside the genuine heartfelt moments, Evans is a master of comic relief.
If you’re after an exciting night of entertaining escapism, this is definitely worth a watch!
Now … is at the Opera House until the 1st February and continues its tour of the UK till April at other venues. Tickets available at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/now-thats-what-i-call-a-musical/opera-house-manchester/
Reviewer: Coral Mourant
Reviewed: 28th January 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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