The 90s nostalgia was everything I thought it would be and more! A mix of classic Steps bops to more current songs. Everyone was up on their feet — me included. There was this infectious buzz in the theatre — the kind where you can’t help but sing along, even if you promise yourself you won’t. Every number felt like a celebration, and the cast delivered it all with so much heart.
It was the musical highlight of my year — truly steptacular.
A musical set in and around a seaside supermarket called Better Best Bargains — what could the story possibly be about? Well, Caz, Vel, Neeta and Robbie all make a pact to have a Summer of Love. But there are a few Tragedy’s on the way! I actually really enjoyed the storyline — easy to follow and utterly hilarious.
Set design by Tom Rogers. It just works. If BBB were an actual supermarket, I’d 100% move my alliances from M&S straight to BBB. The checkouts, the produce on the shelves with their sassy names, the pink bags for life — it was just giving! It honestly felt like I had stepped into a West End show. Big budget vibes all the way.
If you’re lucky enough to see the show, look out for the name of the waste company on the BBB bins. Genius!
Lara Denning as Caz… WOW. I’m pretty sure she’s after Claire Richards’ role in the band — an absolute powerhouse, completely fantastic. Jacqui Dubois as Vel brings brilliant comedy to the show, with spot-on timing and one-liners throughout. Rosie Singha as Neeta had me crying with laughter; I couldn’t stop watching her facial expressions, and her rendition of Scared of the Dark was one of my favourites of the night. And Blake Patrick Anderson as Robbie? Camp as Christmas, with fantastic chemistry with the rest of the cast.
Other notable cast include Finty Williams as BBB store manager Patricia — she was hilarious, full boss-bitch vibes. Ben Darcy as Ben, the love interest of Neeta, has a fantastic voice and really shines in his solo and group numbers. Lauren Woolf as Tracey the delivery woman absolutely nailed her duet of It’s The Way You Make Me Feel with Jacqui Dubois (Vel); it was hilarious. And River Medway as Jem, Robbie’s love interest… slay. Just slay.
Here & Now: The Steps Musical is at Theatre Royal Brighton until Saturday 13th December, so there’s One for Sorrow if you miss it!
Catch it between 3rd–6th December at 7:30pm, with matinees at 2:30pm on Thursday 4th and 3pm on Sunday 7th — plenty of chances to get your Deeper Shade of Blue on.
It returns 9th–13th December with more 7:30pm shows, plus matinees on Thursday 11th and Saturday 13th at 2:30pm.
Don’t be Scared of the Dark — just book the tickets!