HERE & NOW arrives with a promise most of us instantly understand. STEPS songs, big nostalgia, and a night out that should feel like glittery pop escapism. If you grew up with the band on your playlists, or you simply love a jukebox musical that knows how to have fun, this show has plenty to enjoy.
Built around a soundtrack packed with instantly recognisable hits, HERE & NOW follows Caz, Vel, Neeta and Robbie as they chase the idea of a perfect summer of love to celebrate a 50th birthday. It is classic jukebox musical territory, but it moves with warmth, humour, and a genuine sense of heart around STEPS music.
Your 4 main characters gave strong performances as STEPS hits were reimagined and refreshed to fit the story, the story of a heart. The production leans into the fun. It’s camp, colourful, and full of pop energy, with moments that feel like a knowing wink to the audience. The set added to the knowing winks with till numbers 5,6,7,8, a trash can called Trash-eddy and an abundance of 90’s pop styling. It is also inclusive in a way that feels natural and celebratory. One of the standout lines comes from Jem, the drag character, who declares “I love gay” with such confidence and humour that it perfectly captures the spirit of the night.
The show is full of the highs and lows of love, including a sombre storyline of a stillborn son, challenges of adoption, the end of a love story, new love and unrequited love. STEPS music might be upbeat but they are ultimately songs of tragedy and they fit the story.
What was interesting, though, was the atmosphere in the room. For a show like this, you might expect a full party vibe throughout, but on the night we attended the audience felt slightly more held back for much of the performance. Enjoying it, smiling, but not quite giving in to the chaos. Come on Belfast!
Then the finale arrived and everything changed.
The crowd were on their feet, joining in with the dance moves, singing along, and looking like they genuinely did not want the night to end. It suddenly became the collective celebration you imagine when you hear the words “STEPS The Musical” and it was impossible not to get swept up in the megamix. Sitting down was the last thing on my mind.
From One for Sorrow to 5, 6, 7, 8, the hits still deliver, and the show does exactly what it sets out to do: offer a bright, inclusive, feel good escape.
Verdict: camp, colourful, and full of fun, with a finale that sets off a chain reaction and the audience begin to stomp with some moves that are better best forgotten.
