Here and Now - The Steps Musical

There’s a moment early on in Here & Now – The Steps Musical where everything clicks — the tone, the energy, the sheer sense of fun — and from that point on, the audience at Milton Keynes Theatre are completely along for the ride.

This is a jukebox musical that knows exactly what it is. Built around the back catalogue of Steps, it leans unapologetically into colour, nostalgia and feel-good escapism. The story follows a group of friends chasing love, happiness and second chances, and while it doesn’t aim for gritty realism, it does have just enough heart to keep you invested.

What really makes it work is the atmosphere. It’s gloriously camp, knowingly over-the-top, and packed with energy from start to finish. Big dance routines, bold costumes and a constant stream of familiar hits create a show that feels less like traditional theatre and more like a party — and the Milton Keynes audience fully embraced that.

The music is, of course, the main event. Songs like One For Sorrow, 5,6,7,8 and Chain Reaction are woven into the story with a playful confidence. Sometimes it’s slick, sometimes it’s a little cheeky, but it always lands because the show never takes itself too seriously. It understands that these songs are the reason people are there — and it delivers them with style.

Performance-wise, the cast strike a strong balance between comedy and sincerity. Lara Denning’s Caz gives the show its emotional core, bringing warmth and depth to the character, while River Medway is a standout, injecting humour and charisma into every scene. Across the board, the ensemble is tight, energetic and clearly having as much fun as the audience.

There are moments where the storyline feels a little thin, and occasionally it bends to accommodate the next big number rather than the other way around. But that hardly detracts from the experience. This isn’t a show built on complex plotting — it’s built on connection, nostalgia and joy.

And that’s what it delivers in abundance. Beneath the glitter and choreography, there are flashes of genuine emotion and relatable themes around friendship, loss and starting again, giving the show more substance than you might expect.

Ultimately, Here & Now is exactly what you want it to be — a vibrant, high-energy, feel-good night out. It’s bold, it’s camp, it’s a little bit chaotic at times, but it’s also hugely entertaining.

A joyful celebration of pop and friendship that sends you out of the theatre smiling — and very likely singing all the way home.

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