A 5-6-7-8-star musical in Edinburgh
- K107FM
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Here & Now the brand-new musical based on the music by Steps sees standing ovations in a real feel good all star colourful show.
I have always credited Steps as a feel-good band. Their style has always suggested parties and good times. Enjoyable, memorable and infinitely danceable. As a party DJ they were always good to conquer the dance floor. Songs like 5, 6, 7, 8 were equally favoured at primary schools as they were at retiral parties, and they had a routine to go along with it. That brings me to their interpretation of Tragedy which surpassed even the success of its originators, The Bee Gees. So how would all this translate into a full-length high budget touring stage musical?
Shawn Kitchener took up the challenge, and it premiered in 2024 where it was nominated for Best New Musical at the 2026 WhatsOnStage Awards. Set in a seaside supermarket, we meet the staff and their dilemmas and choices. So, with Rachel Kavanaugh directing the tour comes to Edinburgh Playhouse and the immediate reaction is to witness the stunning and colourful set which frames the stage. Throughout the show multicoloured lights reflect the songs in panels resembling supermarket shelves with all the products on display in aisles 5-6-7-8 (get it?). This, however, is no Supermarket Sweep as the characters from the store are quickly introduced as they all play distinctive parts, form a pact and have their own time in the wonderful array of songs. With 14 big chart hits, Steps have an impressive catalogue to draw on and contrary to my opening remarks do have some ballads that really stop the show like Heartbeat sung by Caz played by Lara Denning where her commanding voice thrills every solo she gets. In fact, all the principals have their moments such as River Medway as drag queen Jem rising to Chain Reaction. He falls for the vulnerable Robbie (Blake Patrick Anderson), in the pact with shop assistants Vel (Jacqui Dubois) and Neeta, played by Rosie Singha. Supervisor Patricia (Sally Ann Matthews) is larger than life taking on the part that would have sealed any ‘Carry On’ movie, while Chris Grahamson as Gareth gets some great comedy lies and delivered with acute timing.
The Better Best Bargains set design by Tom Rogers is very flexible as the checkouts move, shopping trolleys are employed and even the background dance has been crafted superbly by Matt Cole. It could not have been easy setting up moves with a cast in no glamour tabards, but it works as does the costumes subtle changes by Gabriella Slade. The six-piece band led by MD Georgia Rawlins filled the room, authentic at times but re-arranging when necessary to suit dialog breaks and dance. Highlights here were the hoedown to 5,6,7,8, Better The Devil You Know and of course Tragedy, the best I’ve heard it. Georgia is no stranger to Edinburgh as her 2023 Fringe show had a successful full run at Gilded Balloon.
Their closing megamix had everyone up, Howard Hudson’s lighting stepped up a further gear and a show reprise meant everyone left with a song and a message in their hearts.
Edinburgh Playhouse until March 1
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