Book: Tim Firth
Music and lyrics: TAKE THAT
Director: Tim Firth & Stacey Haynes
Previously titled The Band, this show broke box office records, wowing audiences around the UK between 2017 and 2019. Now, 4 years later, it’s back (for good?) rebranded as Greatest Days, just in time for Take That’s 30th anniversary and of course the release of the movie musical adaption, with the same title, hitting screens this summer.
Featuring over 15 of Take That’s hits, spanning from their early days to their more recent comeback repertoire, this uplifting comedy penned by rom-com extraordinaire Tim Firth, tells the story of 5 high school friends growing up in Manchester, united by their love of 90’s boyband, only ever referred to as “the boys”.
But, how does life pan out for the wide-eyed, ambitious girls? Does their friendship stand the test of time? Will things be the same when they reunite 25 years after they left high school? Well… if you have a little patience, you’ll find out.
This show has SO MUCH potential to be a staple in the UK jukebox musical repertoire for years to come, thanks to its heart and optimistic message. There are some really poignant moments and beautiful touches thanks to the on-stage chemistry between the very natural Kym Marsh as Rachel, the vivacious Rachel Marwood as Heather, the authentic and lovable Holly Ashton as Zoe and the fizzy Jamie Rose Monk as Claire. Their layered characters are recognisable and lovable, all thanks to their younger version counterparts setting up the premise of the story, played by Emilie Cunliffe (Marsh’s real-life daughter who was really believable and beautifully understated), a very watchable and present Kitty Harris, Hannah Brown who revelled in her characters geekiness, with stand out vocals and Mari McGinlay who had effervescent stage presence. Not forgetting Mary Moore as the beautiful and bubbly Debbie.
The plot and premise is very well formulated by Firth. He has crafted some really lovable on-stage characters that fit into this narrative really well. Choreography by Aaron Renfree really pops and is a homage to the much loved 90’s music videos from the Take That boys, performed with gusto by Kalifia Burton, Jamie Corner, Archie Durrant, Regan Gascoine and Alexanda O’Reilly. All great movers.
The design is a little unimaginative. In a show that pays homage to the 90’s, it’s all one big missed opportunity. The boyband outfits are more boybland and lack any individuality, at one point looking more like singing waiters. A nice touch is that each of the female characters have their own colour to cling to, aiding the slightly less switched-on audience members to recognise who’s who when the girls grow up. The set mimics a 90s pop concert in its structure but it never comes to life and is functionally limited. It’s parts are moved around in laboured transitions by the cast to create different destinations throughout the story, but it is pretty and it looks heavy!
The best thing about this show is the band of women in it. They provide ALL of the laughs, give all of the heart and pathos in spade-loads. They deliver really energised performances that compliment each other beautifully.
This show is full of heart and bursting with energy, packed with nostalgia and laugh out loud moments. Top tip: Take that packet of tissues in your handbag, it heads into real tear-jerking territory!
Runs until: Saturday 27th May
The Reviews Hub Score
Could it be magic? Yes it could.
