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★★★★
Kent-based Steps fans will be delighted to hear that ‘Here & Now – The Steps Musical’ is at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury this week, marking the final week of the UK tour. The musical has been on the road for 9 months, taking the story of Caz and the staff at the seaside supermarket Better Best Bargains to theatres across the country. Featuring over 20 Steps songs and celebrating friendships that are basically family, I was fortunate enough to watch the show on press night and came away from this musical reminded that theatre is one of the best forms of serotonin – even more so if it features vibrant costumes and a half price hoedown (cue ‘5,6,7,8’).
About the show
Protagonist Caz (Lara Denning) is about to turn 50 and has just received some news that she and her husband Gareth (Chris Grahamson) have finally been approved for adoption. She works at Better Best Bargains with three friends, Vel (Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah), Neeta (Rosie Singha) and Robbie (Blake Patrick Anderson). Each of them is at a crossroads in their love lives: from feeling stuck where they are to struggling to start something new. Naturally quoting a Steps song, Caz suggests that they all navigate their own “summer of love” and hopefully finally get to a place they want to be romantically before her big birthday. Even though love is a key theme, there is a heavy focus on platonic relationships and this is really refreshing in 2026. The narrative is somewhat predictable at times and it does in places feel like the material jumps from song to song in a slightly jarring way, but there were plenty of moments where I found myself laughing at how relevant the music choices are to the story.
Cast performances
I first saw Lara Denning on stage in the ‘& Juliet’ tour, and her voice really suits the pop style required for Steps’ back catalogue. Her version of ‘One for Sorrow’ was really beautiful and had so much emotional weight. River Medway also brings so much star quality to the role of Jem, commanding the stage in every scene they are a part of. Furthermore, I can’t talk about cast performances without mentioning the ensemble. Their commitment to Matt Cole’s electric choreography was second to none, bringing so much charisma to each scene.
Set and costume design
It is really refreshing to see such a physical set for a touring production, with the creative team relying on video only to highlight the seaside setting. The audience is transported to the aisles (appropriately numbered 5, 6, 7 and 8) and checkouts of this fictional supermarket, with the sides of the stage lined with pink and blue branded products. Every prop and set piece has been carefully curated by Tom Rogers to reflect both the colourful theme of the show and Steps’ own group branding. When combined with Howard Hudson’s lighting design, the stage is flooded in different hues from number to number, adapting to the mood of each scene.
Enjoyment at its core
What I like most about this show is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The characters are relatable, it’s got plenty of hilarious comedy and the musical is entertaining from start to finish. Just as you think it can’t get even sillier or more camp, the energy reaches a higher level and you can’t help but smile. It’s certainly one of those shows where you need to embrace the fun, and when you let your guard down, you will have an incredible time!
Whether you are a die-hard Steps fan or are just familiar with their mega-hits, you will thoroughly enjoy the cheerful and uplifting spirit of ‘Here & Now’. The musical is at the Marlowe Theatre until Saturday 16th May, with last minute tickets available via the venue’s website.
*My ticket for ‘Here & Now’ was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
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