NOW That’s What I Call a Musical – Milton Keynes Theatre and Touring

NOW That’s What I Call a Musical was reviewed at Milton Keynes Theatre. The tour continues until 12 April 2025.

Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩

NOW That’s What I Call a Musical is a fun-filled show with an infectious 1980s soundtrack. But it’s not all neon leg warmers and mullets; at the show’s core is a heartwarming storyline of friendship, broken dreams and finding yourself again. From gasping to laughing, director/choreographer Craig Revel Horwood’s production of the show (with a book by Pippa Evans) generates all the emotions and keeps the audience engaged throughout.

Set in Birmingham, the show begins 20 years on at a school reunion for the class of 1989. We’re introduced to one of the main characters, Gemma (Nina Wadia), as she questions what she’s achieved while thinking back to her childhood friend, April (Melissa Jacques).

We’re transported back to the ’80s, where we get a glimpse into the lives of young Gemma (Nikita Johal) and April (Maia Hawkins) as they approach their 18th birthday. Gemma dreams of becoming a nurse, finding a husband and starting a family, whereas April wants to jet off to Hollywood to become an actress. As the show flips between 1989 and 2009, we see how their lives unravel and how some things are unbreakable after so many years apart.

For me, the standout performance is Hawkins as a young April. She dominates the stage, as she perfectly portrays April’s comical and confident personality, as well as her hidden vulnerabilities. Her voice is clean and clear, filling the auditorium with its power. It was surprising to read that this show is her professional performance debut. She’s a talent with a bright future.

Aside from the young stars, it is great to see more familiar faces like Wadia and Jacques doing what they do best with such ease, as well as the guest appearance of pop star Sonia singing her popular hit ‘Better the Devil You Know’. The talent on stage extends to members of the phenomenal ensemble, who smoothly interchange into various roles, bringing life to the scenes and many giggles. It’s also worth noting how great it is to see such a diverse cast of all shapes, sizes, ages and ethnicities.

It’s safe to say that NOW That’s What I Call a Musical wouldn’t be as joyous a feast for the eyes without the impressive set and costumes designed by Tom Rogers and Toots Butcher. The scenery transitions from scene to scene and decade to decade effortlessly, and the costumes transport you back to the decadence of the ’80s. There are many moving parts to coordinate within the show, from different eras to different countries. Alongside the superb acting, the set and costumes pull all these elements together.

Finally, it was sometimes easy to forget that the music was being performed by a live band led by musical director Georgia Rawlins, as the acoustics sounded as crisp as if you were listening to the original recorded track. These unsung heroes maintained the fast pace and energy.

NOW That’s What I Call a Musical was an absolute pleasure of a show from start to finish. I’d watch it again tonight if I could.

Hannah Grimmette