Blake Patrick Anderson

Here & Now

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Set in seaside superstore, Better Best Bargains, Here and Now follows the lives and loves of four co-workers and firm friends Caz, Vel, Robbie, and Neeta all set to a camptastic back catalogue of Steps classics. From 5,6,7,8 to One for Sorrow there’s nothing tragic about this feelgood musical, from the moment the first bop begins you know you’re in for a fun time. With Claire, H, Faye, Lee and Lisa all involved in the creative process this really is a celebration of their iconic hits and has clearly been crafted with love and careful consideration.

The story centres around Caz whose husband has walked out on her just as they’re on the verge of adopting, she makes a vow with her besties Vel, Robbie and Neeta to have a summer of love that they’ll never forget. Deep in the throes of heartbreak Caz meets Max who adds a little jeopardy to proceedings by offering her all she dreams on the condition she blackmails store manager Patricia, which unbeknown to Caz will devastate her friendships as a result.

Rebecca Lock is outstanding Caz, she truly shines on stage and gives the character depth and genuine likeability. Her vocals are rich while her acting is nuanced and heartfelt, she is a true leading leady and heads up this talented cast with gentle confidence and perfect control. Her delivery of Heartbeat is a real showstopper and a tender moment of calm amidst the sparkle and glitter.

Blake Patrick Anderson beautifully portrays the character of Robbie, showing sensitively how deeply abandonment issues can run. His pairing with River Medway as Jem is joyful, River brings a lightness to Jem that scoops not only Robbie up but every audience member too.

Rosie Singha hits every mark as loveable Neeta, desperately in love with co-worker Ben (Ben Darcy) but lacking in confidence to tell him how she truly feels while Jacqui Dubois is great fun as Vel, displaying some brilliant comic timing. Special mention must also go to Finty Williams who gives us the iconic and hilarious store manager Jackie, très bien!

The hits come thick and fast and unlike many other jukebox musicals never feel shoehorned in. Their placing is just right, giving this entertaining show perfect pacing and so much to enjoy. The classics are given the attention they deserve while the beloved ballads allow the quieter moments to truly shine.  

This is the epitome of feelgood, every creative element has been carefully considered resulting in a slick, stylish and hugely entertaining show. The talented ensemble take the legendary Steps routines we all know and love to the next level while Adam Fisher’s sound design ensures no beat it missed. This super fun show will ensure audiences head home happy, remind of us of just how many brilliant bops this iconic band have brought us while feeling joyful for the true friendships life brings our way.  

Here & Now is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Saturday 13th September tickets available here.

RENT

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Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

When Hope Mill Theatre announced their summer revival of RENT back in January the buzz about the show quickly engulfed social media; this felt like the most perfect choice for the boundary-pushing, award-winning theatre. Punchy, loud, proud and fuelled by hope, RENT was swiftly propelled into many a ‘must-see list’; billed as the show we all needed in our lives, then…well we all know what happened next.

While the pandemic closed theatres across the country, devastating the Arts, Hope Mill Theatre never lost faith that their much-anticipated production would play to audiences this year. Safeguards were made to film the production should the worst-case scenario of a second lockdown happen and so unbelievably we find ourselves at the show’s official opening which heartbreakingly is also its closing.

The exposed brickwork and anti-Reagan graffiti of David Woodhead’s set transports us to Manhattan’s East Village where a group of young, penniless bohemians strive to live, love and create underneath the looming shadow of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As the devastation and desperation increases so does their sense of family and the ultimate need to make a lasting mark on the world before their lights are extinguished.

Director Luke Sheppard and his team of creatives have truly embraced this piece resulting in a bold, dynamic and meticulously crafted production. The love bursts from each character while their palpable desperation combined with a spirit of defiance is as heart-breaking as it is heart-warming. There is an undeniable sense of urgency; these are stories that need to be told, experiences that need to be shared and a love that needs to be felt.

The cast sit around the stage throughout, feeling and experiencing the heartache, pain and joy of each other’s stories. Touch is infrequent, marked by a fizz of electricity as Howard Hudson’s light design flickers in reaction, making those infrequent yet delicious moments all the more powerful.

Tom Francis makes an incredible stage debut as Roger, his strong swagger is ripped away as his fear of dying takes hold, cradled collectively by the soothing ensemble of resolute voices. Blake Patrick Anderson’s Mark has a quirky sweetness, hiding behind his camcorder in a bid to save him from connecting too deeply thus exposing him to ultimate loneliness while ex-housemate Benny (Ahmed Hamad) plays a strong enemy to the bohemian life he once embraced.

Mimi’s (Maiya Quansah-Breed) strutting and sass is replaced by a heart-breaking vulnerability while Maureen (Millie O’Connell) and Joanne’s (Jocasta Almgill) fractious relationship bubbles and simmers throughout. Deeply entwined in the story is the moving relationship between HIV positive Angel (Alex Thomas-Smith) and older lover Collins (Dom Hartley-Harris) their purity and commitment to each other brings heartening joy to the piece while Hartley-Harris’ delivery of I’ll Cover You – Reprise is gut-wrenchingly brilliant.

RENT is truly an ensemble piece and is at it’s most powerful when this talented cast together with outstanding featured ensemble members Kayla Carter, Allie Daniel, Isaac Hesketh and Bethany Terry unite to deliver Larson’s anthemic score. From the iconic Seasons of Love to the stirring No Day But Today the sheer brilliance of this production envelopes you entirely. Tom Jackson Greaves’ choreography adds an edgy punch while Musical Supervisor Katy Richardson ensures the pounding score will long echo after the curtain comes down

While 2020 has been a year of unprecedented heartbreak and bitter disappointments this incredible piece stands proud, shouting from the rooftop for all to hear, not only is RENT viable it is vital; it’s pounding energy combined with gut-wrenching optimism confirming to all that the show most definitely MUST go on.

Rent is available to view online on selected dates from Friday 27th November until Sunday 20th December booking is essential tickets available via https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/events/rent-online