Book: Shaun Kitchener
Director: Rachel Kavanaugh
Reviewer: Christine Stanton
“Jukebox Greatest Hits“
4 / 5
The staff at Better Best Bargains superstore are more like family than colleagues, but when a devious investor tries to get his hands on the store, he sets off a ‘Chain Reaction’ that leaves everyone wondering ‘What The Future Holds’ for them all.
Caz (Rebecca Lock) is turning 50, even more excited for the milestone birthday after receiving news that her adoption journey with partner Gareth (Chris Grahamson) has been approved. She sets a Summer of love challenge for her colleagues – Neeta (Rosie Singha) has to confess her feelings to Ben (Ben Darcy), Robbie (Blake Patrick Anderson) has to give a relationship a go and Vel (Jacqui Dubois) has to finally pull the plug and break off with her boring boyfriend. But when Gareth dumps her because he’s realised he doesn’t want children after all, she has to follow her own advice, and do whatever it takes to get the life of her dreams.
Considering a lot of the songs are upbeat and light-hearted, Shaun Kitchener’s book leans quite heavily into emotional turmoil, and although there is always an element of conflict, the devastating character backstories are a lot more intense than normal, and grate against the otherwise fun musical. With narrative threads around loveless relationships, miscarriage, fertility problems, divorce, infidelity, death, grief and abandonment, it’s very heavy subject matter, that don’t quite mesh with the bubblegum pop setting and ‘5,6,7,8’ thumping in the background. Although none of them go too in depth, it still feels out of place. For example, Robbie’s revelation that his father walked out on them after their mother died is only a brief conversation, but it quickly transitions into a lively, energetic rendition of ‘Chain Reaction’ that never gives the weight of his feelings or admission justice, so leaves you wondering why it was even included at all.
If the book was removed entirely, not much would be missed, as with many jukebox musicals, it’s simply a vessel to cram in as many songs as possible, so while the narrative is ‘Better Best Forgotten’, if you were to ignore the scarce, uneven plot, and judge Here & Now solely on being a Greatest Hits medley then you can’t go wrong. Each hit is performed fantastically, full of glitz and gusto that matches the Steps discography perfectly. Lock has an incredible singing voice, as does River Medway (Jem) who performs ‘Chain Reaction’ wonderfully. The megamix featuring the busy, bright ensemble working it’s way through all of the hits is a fabulous finale, and you can’t help but leave with a smile on your face and a ‘Stomp’ in your feet!
Runs until 9th November 2025
RatedReviewed 
I really enjoyed this, Christine. It was, as expected, very cheesy!! It had a really good Set Design. The Production was very colourful and lively. It was comical, although a bit sad at times. And lots of hits from Steps, which the audience loved!! And a great Finale!!
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