The Cast ‘Shine’ with a heart of pure gold! A STOS production worthy of its 125 years anniversary! With title changes including ‘The Official Take That Musical – Greatest Days’ and a TV talent show, a UK tour and finally the result of these changes, what you see today – as STOS Theatre Company bring – The Band A new musical by Tim Firth with the music of Take That – to the Sheffield Lyceum in their 125th anniversary year. And what a fitting celebration of a show it is to mark this milestone! I was fully invested and smiled from the very first scene to the final crowd pleasing medley. It was warm, it was nostalgic and it was thought provoking what more can you ask for from a night at the theatre! But let’s consider why all the changes before this production? It would seem people were expecting to see a show about the band itself, and the musical is certainly not that. With a book written by Tim Firth and the music and lyrics by Take That, it tells the tale of a group of five 16-year-old fans in the 1992 who live their lives to the soundtrack of their favourite band. Their lives can be seen to mirror that of The Bands as together they live, laugh and suffer loss, eventually going their own ways. 25 Years later, the girls reunite and go on their own reunion tour of re discovery. The Band is a story of friendship, dreams, growth and survival with a familiarity and tenderness only rarely achieved in theatre. It is unexpectedly so much more than just a jukebox musical – it has the accessibility, depth and potential to become a mainstay of musical theatre and STOS give the musical a poignant performance full of energy and a beating heart.
Directed with vigour by Jill Beckett and assisted by Keeley Kilby, with reminiscent and lyrical choreography by Katie Granger – the trio keep the juxtaposition of joy and pathos in the show, front and forward throughout its pacy storytelling. Dominic Ridler does a fine job as Musical Director/Drummer and the additional band members of Kirsty Lomax, Andy Collis, Adam Walker and Matt Jackson sound full and well-rehearsed and their presence on stage adds to the concert like undercurrent. There were a few sound/balance gremlins on the opening night but these were rectified in the majority very swiftly. The costumes are as chameleon in nature as the set, transforming to represent statues, Prague, airports, concert stage sets and even a police station. Consisting of a lofty gantry with a central opening beneath that is used as the main entrance/exit to all the location, the set also includes two sets of sectional steps that are used to make full use of the available height. The ensemble are responsible for all the set manipulation and do it with effortless ease whilst providing the additional vocal backdrop to the show. The boy Band itself, made up of Marcus Kamsika, James Hadabora, Andrew Stanley, Declan Saxton and Gabriel Lima are collectively strong in this role and float on and off the stage with some well blended harmonies and lovely solo vocals. With well executed choreography the boys are joined by the strong and well used ensemble at times and they perform 18 Take That hits that energetically propel the story line with gusto. The story is witty, funny and full of tenderness and as times and circumstances change – the show highlights the importance of friendships, of dreams and of music in all our lives.
The principal cast, without a single exception, are stellar and it is impossible to pick out an outstanding performer amongst them. With a production so heavily rooted in friendship this is rightly so and indeed one of the many strengths of the production. The 16 year old girls in the 90’s played by Ruthie Lee as young Zoe, Ellie Hudson as young Rachel, Lucy Mulvihill as young Heather, Charlotte Waxman as Young Claire and Shelby Foster (with her outstanding vocals) as Debbie deliver a well bonded performance with a warm, familiar feeling to their performances and they are a pleasure to share the journey with. Each girl has a predominant clothing colour which cleverly helps us identify who they become and as we pick up their story, 25 years later, a vital aid. Now, each greatly changed, Suzanne Peach becomes the unexpected older Zoe, Louise Walker is a surprising Heather, Claire is played with a new depth by Kate Parkin and Gina Holmes is superb in role as the older Rachel. The cast is completed by Andy Green as Jeff who gives a heartfelt performance.
The Band is at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre from Tuesday 11th – Saturday 15th November 2025 – don’t miss it! Whether you are a Take That fan or not – this story will resonant with everyone – the dreams we had, the reality of life’s tendency to get in the way and then the acceptance of a changed perception and finally a realisation of achievement. The show is light hearted and easy to watch, it is slick and entertaining and like the best things in life…unfortunately doesn’t last long enough! STOS’ production can ‘Hold up a Light’ to any professional tour and superbly highlights the delight and prowess of amateur performers as they truly ’Shine’.
I was very impressed and want to congratulate the cast and crew for an evening that I thoroughly enjoyed. So only thing left to say is … ‘Get ready for it’, I think I’ve ‘Said it all’, now go ‘Relight your Fire’!
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 11th November 2025
North West End UK Rating: