Review, Now That’s What I Call A Musical, The Opera House Manchester

Last night, I was taken back to the 80s. For a night of nostalgia, music and laughs with Now That’s What I Call A Musical at the Opera House Manchester. Now, I am not a fan of cheese, and to a degree, I did expect that. However, whilst we can’t deny the 80s was the era of cheese, it was my era.

The production delivered an almost authentic look at what it was like being in the class of 1989, and I was that teen in the class of 1989. It was a time of video shops (yes, I worked in one)! Knowing as a girl, I could be who I wanted to be, an exciting explosion of pop music and fashion that was so much fun.

So, why almost authentic, you ask? And this is why I loved, loved, loved Now That’s What I Call A Musical. Because it rewrote history ever so slightly and gave us a more diverse look at the era. However, it also demonstrated why a more diverse approach is better. Adding a few reminders of how far we have come that had the audience gasping in horror.

What Is Now That’s What I Call A Musical About?

NOW That’s What I Call A Musical is a joyous but gritty musical that brings the biggest hits of the 1980s to life. With songs from favourite artists like Blondie, Tears For Fears, Annie Lennox, Toni Basil, Spandau Ballet and more, it delivers a nostalgic, high-energy, but thought-provoking experience. Directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood and scripted by award-winning comedian Pippa Evans.

It’s the school reunion of the class of 1989. Gemma (Nina Wadia) is waiting and hoping her best pal, April (Sam Bailey), will make the trip from LA to the reunion. However, the reunion is also a time to reflect on Gemma and April’s lives. Did it all turn out how they hoped? What was life like growing up in the 80s, and did adulthood meet their expectations?

Plus, throughout the tour, they will be joined on stage by 80s pop icons: Sinitta, Sonia, T’Pau’s Carol Decker and Toyah Willcox!* Performing one of their smash hits, So Macho, Better The Devil You Know, China In Your Hand and I Want To Be Free!

My Review Of Now That’s What I Call A Musical

Now That’s What I Call A Musical took me right back to my teens, but in the best way. This isn’t a fluffy musical; it’s a gritty look at life. It looks at a young girl’s hopes and dreams and asks questions: Was it the right path, and did it turn out well?

It’s half play and half show, with great music and a feel-good atmosphere. But also outstanding acting and a double-pronged approach that makes you relive childhood memories. Those tiny details that adulthood and responsibilities made you forget, in hand with following Gemma and April’s story.

Nina Wadia was phenomenal and paired perfectly with Sam Bailey, whose voice is incredible. I loved how they looked back on their younger selves. It was so cleverly played out. Young Gemma (Nikita Johal) and April (Maia Hawkins) were the perfect younger counterparts and played their parts to perfection.

The whole cast, young and old, is fabulous. With great voices, incredible acting, and a clever set that set the perfect backdrop to the era, that was in some ways dull and, in others, so very vibrant, that’s not easy to get right, but they smashed it!

Would I recommend Now That’s What I Call A Musical? Yes, it’s a look back at the 80s that has more credibility and substance than I have seen in an 80s show for a long time; I loved it.

Where Can I See Now That’s What I Call A Musical

You can see Now That’s What I Call A Musical at the Opera House Manchester until the 1st of February with tickets from £13.00, then at…..

• King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Tue 18 Feb – Sat 22 Feb 2025
• Edinburgh Playhouse, Tue 25 Feb – Sat 1 Mar 2025
• Liverpool Empire, Tue 4 Mar – Sat 8 Mar 2025
• The Alexandra, Birmingham, Tue 11 Mar – Sat 15 Mar 2025
• Grand Opera House York, Tue 18 Mar – Sat 22 Mar 2025
• New Theatre Oxford, Tue 25 Mar – Sat 29 Mar 2025
• Bristol Hippodrome, Tue 1 Apr – Sat 5 Apr 2025
• New Wimbledon Theatre, Tue 8 Apr – Sat 12 Apr 2025

Disclaimer, I was gifted the tickets for review purposes, however all opinions are my own. Check out where to park near the Opera House.