Review – Here and Now: The Steps Musical – Theatre Royal Brighton

Here and Now: The Steps Musical is one of those shows that sweeps you up from the first moment and never really lets go. It’s big, it’s bold, it knows exactly what kind of fun it wants to be—and it absolutely delivers.  

The show takes us into the world of Better Best Bargains, a supermarket full of characters with huge personalities and totally chaotic lives, and shows us how their affection for each other builds into something truly wonderful. Even if you don’t know Steps at all, you can jump right in and get attached quickly, as the lyrics of the songs are woven carefully into the dialogue. The story is playful but also has a surprising amount of heart, especially in the moments when the characters let the glitter drop and show a little vulnerability. 

The superb cast is a massive reason the show works so well. Every performer feels perfectly matched to their role, and they go all in, vocally, physically and passionately. The singing is fantastic across the board, with harmonies that hit you right in the chest and emotional solos that feel totally heartfelt. What the audience love most, though, is how much personality the cast bring to everything. We get the sense that they’re genuinely having fun up there, and that energy spreads fast through the audience. 

Standout performances come from Lara Denning as Caz, Dean Rickards (standing in for Blake Patrick Anderson at this performance) as Robbie, River Medway as Jem and Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah (standing in for Jacqui Dubois) as Vel. Having said that, there are no weak links in the cast with everyone giving all that they can, throughout the show.  

The choreography is energetic, cheeky, and packed with little character moments that make the big group numbers feel alive. Nothing feels slapped together; each movement seems to be telling a story or adding a joke or highlighting a relationship. The transitions between scenes are quick and clever, keeping the pace bright and breezy. You never feel stuck waiting for the next big thing. 

Visually, the musical is a treat. The costumes are superb: vibrant, expressive, and full of personality without ever being distracting. They really capture who each character is, and they add to the comedy and the emotional beats in smart ways. Lighting and set design work together beautifully, shifting the mood from camp to intimate whenever the story needs it. It’s polished without feeling overly slick, and the whole look of the show has this inviting, slightly outrageous charm. 

For all the laughs and spectacle, what surprises me most about Here and Now is how genuinely touching it is. There’s a strong message running underneath all the sequins about being yourself, choosing the people around you carefully, and living your best life. The show doesn’t hit you over the head with it—it just gently threads it through the characters’ journeys.  

What makes the experience even better is that the musical never forgets to have fun. It knows it’s camp, it knows it’s over the top, and it embraces that wholeheartedly. But it also gives space for sincerity, which makes the jokes hit harder and the heartfelt moments feel earned. 

In the end, Here and Now: The Steps Musical is an absolute delight—a funny, sparkly, big-hearted celebration of being exactly who you are. It’s the kind of show that fills you up and sends you out into the night feeling lighter. Whether you’re a longtime Steps fan or brand new to their world, this musical welcomes you in with open arms and a wink, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to have a great time. 

*****   Five Stars