# Here & Now (musical)

Here & Now is a jukebox musical with a book by Shaun Kitchener based on the songs of the British pop group Steps. It premiered on 9 November 2024.

## Production history
### World premiere: Birmingham (2024)

On 26 January 2024, it was announced that the musical will have its world premiere at The Alexandra, Birmingham beginning previews on 9 November, with a gala night on 19 November (with Steps appearing and performing during the Finale Megamix), running until 30 November 2024, after being extended from 24 November due to popular demand. It became the venue's fastest-selling show in its history, with 50% of seats sold in the first 24 hours. The show is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh with choreography by Matt Cole, set designed by Tom Rogers, lighting designed by Howard Hudson, costumes designed by Gabriella Slade, sound design by Adam Fisher, Wigs, Hair and Makeup design by Sam Cox, and casting by Will Burton. Musical supervision, orchestrations and arrangements are by Matt Spencer-Smith. It is produced by Steps, ROYO and Pete Waterman. Initial principle casting for the world premiere was announced on 18 July 2024, with the full cast revealed on 4 September 2024.

### UK and Ireland tour (2025–2026)

During the finale of the Birmingham gala night, Steps announced that the musical will embark on a UK and Ireland tour beginning at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on 29 August 2025, before an official opening at the Manchester Opera House. It is then set to visit King's Theatre, Glasgow; Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin; Cliffs Pavilion, Southend; New Victoria Theatre, Woking; His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen; Theatre Royal, Newcastle; New Wimbledon Theatre; Theatre Royal, Nottingham; Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield; Liverpool Empire Theatre; Theatre Royal, Brighton; Globe Theatre, Stockton-on-Tees; Mayflower Theatre, Southampton; Grand Opera House, Belfast; Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff; Grand Opera House, York; New Theatre Oxford; Edinburgh Playhouse; Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton; Theatre Royal, Plymouth; Milton Keynes Theatre; Opera House Theatre, Blackpool; Theatre Royal, Norwich; Hull New Theatre and Curve, Leicester; before finishing at Grand Theatre, Leeds in May 2026.

## Synopsis

At the seaside supermarket Better Best Bargains, employee Caz McGovern is elated that she and her husband Gareth have been approved to adopt a child. Her friends Vel, Neeta and Robbie are in awe at how her life is perfect, so - in lieu of a present for her upcoming 50th birthday - she challenges them to ‘take a chance on a happy ending’ for themselves and have the Summer of Love they've been dreaming of: Vel must end her loveless relationship, Neeta must confess her feelings to her workplace crush Ben, and Robbie must learn to give men a chance without finding tiny reasons to push them away. However, when Gareth tells Caz he is ending their marriage, meaning the adoption is ruined, her own 'happy ending' is in tatters and she must follow her own advice. When she puts her faith in the wrong person and inadvertently jeopardises the entire store's future, the friends' Summer of Love is at risk of becoming a Tragedy.

## Musical numbers

As performed during the world premiere run in Birmingham:

## Cast and characters

| Character | Birmingham |
| Character | 2024 |
| Caz | Rebecca Lock |
| Vel | Sharlene Hector |
| Robbie | Blake Patrick Anderson |
| Neeta | Hiba Elchikhe |
| Ben | Dan Partridge |
| Jem | River Medway |
| Patricia | Finty Williams |
| Gareth | Gary Milner |
| Tracey | Helen Colby |
| Max | Edward Baker-Duly |
| Lesley | John Stacey |