Here & Now is a jukebox musical with a book by Shaun Kitchener based on the songs of the British pop group Steps. It premiered on 9 November 2024.
Production history
World premiere: Birmingham (2024)
On 26 January 2024, it was announced that the musical will have its world premiere at The Alexandra, Birmingham beginning previews on 9 November, with a gala night on 19 November (with Steps appearing and performing during the Finale Megamix), running until 30 November 2024, after being extended from 24 November due to popular demand. It became the venue's fastest-selling show in its history, with 50% of seats sold in the first 24 hours.[1] The show is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh with choreography by Matt Cole, set designed by Tom Rogers, lighting designed by Howard Hudson, costumes designed by Gabriella Slade, sound design by Adam Fisher, Wigs, Hair and Makeup design by Sam Cox, and casting by Will Burton. Musical supervision, orchestrations and arrangements are by Matt Spencer-Smith. It is produced by Steps, ROYO and Pete Waterman.[2][3][4] Initial principle casting for the world premiere was announced on 18 July 2024,[5] with the full cast revealed on 4 September 2024.[6]
At the seaside supermarket Better Best Bargains, checkout worker Caz McGovern is elated that she and her husband Gareth have been approved to adopt a child, especially because she is approaching her 50th birthday. Her friends Vel King, Neeta Thakkar and Robbie Davies are in awe at how her life is perfect, so she challenges them to ‘take a chance on a happy ending’ for themselves and have the Summer of Love they've been dreaming of: Vel must end her loveless relationship, Neeta must confess her feelings to her workplace crush Ben, and Robbie must learn to give other males a chance in his own relationships with them without finding tiny reasons to push them away. However, when Gareth shockingly informs Caz that he is ending their marriage, meaning the adoption is ruined, her own 'happy ending' is in tatters and she must follow her own advice. The other workers' plans take an unexpected turn as well when the supermarket faces closure.
Musical numbers
As performed during the world premiere run in Birmingham:[9]
