Last night I was able to take myself back to the late 90s and noughties at the Opera House in Manchester. And spend a couple of hours being wrapped in the oh-so uplifting music of Steps, watching The Here & Now musical. And in a time when there seems to be anger on every corner. A couple of hours of Steps Music, and pink is exactly what I needed. I can’t tell you the joy a couple of hours celebrating all things camp to the backdrop of Steps brought me.
The musical was conceived as a long-awaited passion project by Steps and their creative team, developed to bring the band’s greatest hits to the stage in a fresh, story-driven production.
What You Will Find Here
What Is Here & Now About
Set in Better Best Bargains supermarket, the story follows four co-workers. Caz (Rebecca Lock) is hoping to adopt a child as she approaches her 50th birthday. Vel (Jacqui Dubois) is ready to walk away from a relationship that no longer fulfils her. Neeta (Rosie Singha) is building up the courage to confess her feelings to colleague Ben. And Robbie (Blake Patrick Anderson), learning to embrace the chance of new love.
Together, they make a pact to chase their own “Summer of Love.” But when Caz’s marriage unexpectedly falls apart, jeopardising her dream of adoption, their uplifting journey takes a moving turn. Themes of betrayal, resilience, and second chances unfold, brought to life through the unforgettable soundtrack of Steps.
My Review of Here & Now The Steps Musical
As Here & Now started, I wasn’t sure this was a show for me. I am not a tongue-in-cheek comedy person. However, within five minutes, I was sold and had fallen in love with the cast, the vibe and their backstories.
The show takes the characters through the ups and downs that life brings. It’s a vibrantly camp version of life and the challenges we all face. An acceptance that life is not perfect, but with the support of great friends, almost anything is possible. It’s warm, funny, touching and joyous, the set is a celebration of colour, and the cast is incredible.
Despite the more serious undertones of betrayal, acceptance, friendship and challenges that life inevitably brings. The overwhelming vibe of Here & Now is joy and celebration.
Played to mega hits such as Tragedy, 5 6 7 8, One for Sorrow, Stomp, Deeper Shade of Blue, Chain Reaction and more. Here and Now is a celebration of diversity, love and friendship. The audience was up and dancing to the master mix, and as Steps made a one-off appearance, the theatre erupted. This show, along with its fabulous cast, can’t fail to make you smile from ear to ear the whole way through. In a world of sorrow, you can always rely on Step to make you smile.
Where Can I See Here And Now
Here & Now is playing at the Opera House, Manchester, Tue 2 Sep – Sat 13 Sep 2025 and then at……..
- King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Tue 16 Sep – Sat 20 Sep 2025
- New Victoria Theatre, Woking, Tue 14 Oct – Sat 18 Oct 2025
- New Wimbledon Theatre, Tue 4 Nov – Sun 9 Nov 2025
- Liverpool Empire, Tue 25 Nov – Sat 29 Nov 2025
- Theatre Royal Brighton, Tue 2 Dec – Sat 13 Dec 2025
- Stockton Globe, Mon 15 Dec – Sun 28 Dec 2025
- Grand Opera House York, Tue 10 Feb – Sun 15 Feb 2026
- New Theatre Oxford, Tue 17 Feb – Sun 22 Feb 2026
- Edinburgh Playhouse, Tue 24 Feb – Sun 1 Mar 2026
- Milton Keynes Theatre, Tue 31 Mar – Sat 4 Apr 2026
Disclaimer: I was gifted the tickets for review purposes. However, all opinions are my own. Check out where to park near the Opera House Manchester.
