Lee Latchford Evans

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.

Cinderella

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Cinderella Image 11 - Credit David Munn Photograph

Panto isn’t just for Christmas at the Theatre Royal in St Helens with Regal Entertainments continuing their tradition of regular school holiday pantomimes with this Easter’s offering of Cinderella.

The theatre continues its run of attracting well-known names to St Helens with Lee Latchford-Evans from cult pop group Steps taking the role of Prince Charming.

A trained actor as well as singer, Latchford-Evans showed off an easy likeable charm as the Prince as well as a predictably good singing voice.

Georgina Parkinson was a sweet-voiced Cinders with funny man Lewis Devine returning as Buttons following his stint at The venue at Christmas, and proving just as popular with audiences this time.

Cinderella Image 1 - Credit David Munn Photography

Resident dame Si Foster (who also co-writes with Ben Ebgelen) and Mark Newall take on the role of Kendall and Kylie the Ugly Sisters – a brilliant double act who throw plenty of shade and wow in a series of tremendously tacky frocks and wicked weaves. Watch out for the Bags for Life gag – bravo!

Samantha Palin is a warm and distractedly dotty Fairy Godmother, with big hair and bling that wouldn’t look out of place on a Real Housewife of Cheshire. And Andrew Geater is a dashing if somewhat snooty Dandini – they both have fantastic voices and get their moments to shine vocally.

I’m a sucker for the traditional panto transformation scene that usually closes Act 1 and the show certainly doesn’t disappoint here with a gorgeous mix of ballet, baby animals (courtesy of the charming juvenile dancers) and yes – real Shetland ponies! (One of these makes a hilarious reappearance in Act II that had my young co-reviewer in stitches and that I know he will be talking about for days to come.)

Cinderella Image 10 - Credit David Munn Photograph

All of the music is incredibly well chosen. From 80s anthems like Holding Out For a Hero and Love Lifts Us Up (Where We Belong) to musical theatre floor fillers like One Night Only and Fabulous Baby, every song was a total crowd pleaser.

And needless to say Step’s fans won’t go away disappointed with a medley of their biggest hits featuring to the audience’s total delight.

Add to this beautiful and vibrant costumes, charming sets and a brilliantly funny and topical script (anyone who has ever pleaded with ‘Alexa’ will appreciate one gag in particular) that will appeal to all ages, adds up to a warm and witty show that will leave you feeling fuzzy inside.

And with ticket prices starting at an incredibly reasonable £13 – this is a high quality family pantomime at applaudingly affordable prices.

A cracking treat for Easter!

On until Sunday 15th April, tickets available here.