Writer: Pippa Evans
Director & Choreographer: Craig Revel Horwood
It’s been an unbelievable 40+ years since the launch of the first NOW! album and with the combination of nostalgia and theatre being one of the best medicines in our troubled times, we have the musical comedy version hitting Glasgow this week, ready to soothe our souls.
NOW That’s What I Call a Musical is a big-hearted, bold, brash celebration of life: of youthful dreams and ambitions, of adult life and all its realities and disappointments. All set to a soundtrack of the biggest hits of the 80s.
It’s Birmingham, 1989, the decade that fashion forgot and pals Gemma and April’s days comprise the Top 40, negotiating high school life and lusting after Rick Astley. Flash forward to 2009 and it’s the pair’s twenty year school reunion. Friends reunite, old flames and enemies appear and drama unfolds as the duo’s young dreams and ambitions come back into focus.
The action flashes back and forth from ’89 to ’09 throughout, and under its bright, brash veneer (and to its credit) it manages to examine the harsh realities of life and the consequences of the choices we make. It explores friendship, ambition, betrayal and loyalty.
The entire production is bursting with life. The set changes are frequent and slick, all beautifully lit by Ben Cracknell. There is never a moment to be bored. The hits come thick and fast, all deftly delivered by the enormously talented cast. In particular Maia Hawkins as young April, Shakil Hussain as grown up Frank and, of course Sam Bailey as grown up April, all of whom shine vocally. That said, it really is churlish to single out any of the actors as the cast are universally strong. It is also one of the most representative casts seen on stage recently. It truly reflects what life in Britain looks like. The choreography from Craig Revel Horwood is fresh, lively and imaginative, and not without humour with plenty of nods to the iconic dance moves of the 80s.
But what about the music? Well, the live band are outstanding, the sound bold and crisp throughout. The song choices are also inspired. Some less obvious than others, and some bafflingly but brilliantly inserted into the action. We go from world wide smashes such as Everybody Wants to Rule the World, Tainted Love and Video Killed The Radio Star to the more low key Hold Me Now by the Thompson Twins to Toni Basil’s piece of pop-fluff Mickey. There is also an appearance by pint-sized 80s pop princess Sonia delivering Better The Devil.
There’s substance underneath all the fun and frolics in NOW That’s What I Call a Musical that elevates this above the usual jukebox musical fodder. An uplifting, feel-good, fun night at the theatre.
Runs until 22 February 2025| Image: Pamela Raith
The Reviews Hub Score
Uplifting, feel-good fun.
