Full of heart and familiar hits – Here and Now, the Steps Musical plays at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 4th April

It would be a tragedy to miss the arrival of Here & Now, the new musical built around the songs of 90s pop superstars Steps, though whether that’s a recommendation or a warning depends very much on what you’re looking for.

The show attempts to weave a narrative of love, loss, and hope around a jukebox of well-known hits. Set in the vividly pink world of Better Best Buys supermarket, the story follows Caz and her close-knit group of friends as they search for happiness, romance, and second chances.

On the brink of her 50th birthday, Caz is buoyed by life-changing news: she is finally on the path to adopting the child she has long dreamed of. Instead of gifts, she asks her friends to pursue their own versions of happiness. Vel must face the truth about her loveless relationship, Neeta is encouraged to confess her feelings to her crush, and Robbie is pushed to stop sabotaging his love life. But when Caz’s own hopes collapse, she too must confront what happiness really means.

This is a show that knows exactly what it is: bright, camp, over the top, unapologetically cheesy, and firmly tongue-in-cheek. Steps lyrics are threaded through dialogue with varying degrees of success - sometimes witty, sometimes predictable, often knowingly corny. The tone rarely strays from very light entertainment, and the plot unfolds at a rapid pace, squeezing in as many songs and storylines as possible.

There are plenty of comic moments and some absurd set-pieces, including washing machines and a memorable romantic declaration staged beside a skip and bin bags. It’s all very playful, if occasionally bordering on the chaotic.

The cast commit wholeheartedly to the material. Lara Denning leads as Caz with warmth and sincerity, delivering some of the show’s more heartfelt moments alongside the occasional beautiful vocal. Sally Ann Matthews is a comic highlight as Patricia, bringing humour and character to every scene she’s in, while Rosie Singha’s Neeta is another vocal beauty. The glitter of the evening is provided by River Medway as Jem, whose performance brings energy, charisma, and a sharper edge that lifts the production.

Musically, however, the show doesn’t always deliver the quality one might hope for. While the audience clearly delights in hearing familiar hits, the vocal execution is inconsistent, with some performers appearing to struggle outside their natural range. There are moments of strain, missed notes, and a general lack of cohesion that suggest weak vocal direction.

The choreography similarly lacks polish, with ensemble numbers often feeling loose. sloppy and under-rehearsed, missing the precision needed to truly do justice to the music. It’s not until Act Two - particularly during “Tragedy” - that the show begins to find its stride, with a noticeable lift in energy, cohesion, and confidence. Had this standard been sustained throughout, the production could have reached a far higher level.

Here & Now is, at its core, a feel-good, “bums-on-seats” musical with a big heart. It celebrates friendship, inclusivity, and the pursuit of happiness, giving each character their own storyline and moment to shine. But it is also undeniably lightweight - predictable, stereotypical, and lacking the slickness and professionalism that could elevate it beyond its current form.

For fans of Steps, or those simply seeking an undemanding, nostalgic night out, there is enjoyment to be found here. For others, the show’s overly sugary tone and uneven execution may prove less satisfying.

It wasn’t a production that fully worked for me, but judging by the audience’s enthusiasm, many were more than happy to take a chance on it.

Book your tickets now at ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes