Rebecca Lock

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.

Curtains

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We’ve all heard of opening night disasters when it comes to the theatre, from forgotten lines to sickly cast members, I’m certain actors and directors will have their fair share of horror stories. However, I’m sure none will match having their leading lady bumped off during the final curtain!

This is the premise for musical whodunit,  Curtains. This Tony Awarding winning  production is from the song writing duo John Kander and Fred Ebb, who  also wrote Chicago and Cabaret.

Set in 1950’s Boston we are backstage on the set oftroubled Broadway hopeful  Robbin Hood.  Leading lady Jessica Cranshaw (Nia Jermin) is murdered on opening night and, due to her rather shambolic performance, everyone is a suspect. Luckily, Boston’s finest, Lieutenant Frank Cioffi (Jason Manford), who happens to be a theatre super-fan, is on hand to crack the case.

Placing the theatre on lock down, Cioffi begins to work his way through the list of suspects that include estranged couple and writing partners Georgia Hendricks (Carley Stenson) and Aaron Fox (Ore Oduba). Then there are show producers Carmen Bernstein (Rebecca Lock) and shady Sidney Bernstein (Mark Sangster) and flamboyant director Christopher Belling (Samuel Holmes). In addition, we have ambitious rising stars, Bambi Barnét (Emma Caffrey) and Niki Harris (Leah West), with the latter catching the eye of Lieutenant Cioffi. Everyone is a suspect with cast and crew beginning to drop like flies, can Cioffi catch the killer and save the show?

On the surface, this is a classic murder mystery, very much in the Agatha Christie mould, but on the other hand this is both a love letter to, and a critique of showbusiness, in particular the  theatre. 

There are caricatures aplenty from over-the-top directors, to ruthless money grabbing producers and mean-spirited critiques. Despite a few minor issues, this is an enjoyable, entertaining romp, filled with neat one liners, catchy tunes and some plot red herrings that will keep you engaged throughout.

The cast are at the top of their game, Jason Manford is a likeable leading man, whose comic timing is matched perfectly with a fine singing voice. Carley Stenson and Ore Oduba are also on good form as the warring writing partnership, with Stenson really given the opportunity to flex her vocal cords. There are scene stealing turns from Rebecca Lock and Samuel Holmes who between them get the lions share of the best lines and certainly make the most of them.

They are supported buy an exceptionally hard working cast who put in tremendous effort throughout which are exemplified in the company numbers The Women’s Dead, He Did It, and In the Same Boat III, which are the undoubted highlights of the show, and showcase Paul Foster’s exceptional direction and Alistair David’s intricate choreography.

The production is not without flaws; it’s a bit flabby in parts and there seems to be a bit of filler, it doesn’t quite hold your attention throughout its entire running time, in fairness the show gets off to such an intriguing start that it would be difficult to maintain that level of interest throughout. 

On the whole this is an entertaining, clever, production packed with solid performances, great tunes and some fantastic set pieces, which despite its darkly comic narrative has a heart of gold at its core and is a slice of fun, feel-good musical theatre!

Curtains is on the Place Theatre till 12th October tickets available here.