Here and Now Musical: Plot, Songs, Cast, Tour & Reviews

Few pop acts have managed to turn their back catalogue into a theatrical experience quite like Steps, and now their loyal fanbase finally has a venue to sing along to every anthem. Here & Now is the jukebox musical that takes audiences through the band’s greatest hits, woven into a story that promises equal parts laughter and nostalgia. Premiering in Birmingham before heading out on a sprawling UK and Ireland tour, the production lands at Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in autumn 2025 for a limited run that already has tickets flying.

Premiere Date: 9 November 2024 · Book Writer: Shaun Kitchener · Dublin Run: 23 September – 4 October 2025 · Venue: Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

The key facts table below summarises the essential production details for reference.

What is HERE AND NOW the musical about?

Here & Now is billed as a hilarious and heart-warming new musical that uses the beloved songs of pop phenomenon Steps as its soundtrack (West End Theatre). The original book comes from Shaun Kitchener, known for his work on the long-running British soap opera Hollyoaks, bringing theatrical storytelling to the band’s extensive back catalogue.

Plot summary

The musical follows a group of characters whose lives intersect around the universal themes that Steps’ songs have always captured — love, friendship, heartbreak, and thejoy of letting loose on the dance floor. Rather than a straightforward narrative about the band itself, the story uses the tracks as emotional anchors for an original tale.

Story inspiration from Steps songs

Each Steps hit brings its own emotional colour to the proceedings. From the anthemic energy of “5,6,7,8” to the tender heartbreak of “Better Best Forgotten,” the musical weaves together these distinct musical moments into a cohesive evening that resonates whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the songs for the first time.

The production succeeds because it treats Steps’ catalogue as earned emotional currency rather than a novelty act. Audiences already know these songs; the musical earns its moments by letting them do the heavy lifting.

What songs are in HERE AND NOW musical?

The show features an extensive selection of Steps’ biggest hits, with certified chart-toppers and award-winning singles throughout (West End Theatre). The musical’s creative team has carefully curated the tracklist to ensure each song serves the narrative while delivering the singalong moments fans expect.

Full song list

The confirmed setlist includes: “Tragedy/Heartbeat,” “Stomp,” “One For Sorrow,” “Better Best Forgotten,” “5,6,7,8,” “Last Thing On My Mind,” “Love’s Got A Hold Of My Heart,” and “Chain Reaction.” Both “Tragedy/Heartbeat” and “Stomp” reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, while “One For Sorrow” and “Better Best Forgotten” achieved gold certification. The remaining tracks have silver certification, making this a collection of certified crowd-pleasers (Theatre in Brighton).

Key hits featured

The emphasis on singalong material means audiences can expect full-throated participation throughout the evening. From the opening number to the emotional peaks and infectious dance sequences, each track has been choreographed to maximize audience engagement while serving the story.

Is HERE AND NOW a good musical?

The production earned a record-breaking world premiere run at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre, setting the bar high for the touring production (WhatsOnStage). The WhatsOnStage Awards nomination further cements its early standing in the theatre community, though critical reception continues to develop as the tour reaches new audiences.

Reviews overview

Early audiences have responded enthusiastically to the combination of familiar tracks and fresh choreography. Olivier Award winner Matt Cole’s work on the dance numbers has drawn particular praise, with sequences designed to get entire auditoriums on their feet (West End Theatre).

Audience reactions

The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre listing describes the Dublin run as “hilarious and heart-warming,” signaling the production prioritizes genuine entertainment over ironic nostalgia (Bord Gáis Energy Theatre). For theatre-goers in Dublin, this is a chance to experience what reviewers have called a feel-good hit.

What this means: the show succeeds by never apologizing for its pop sensibilities. Rather than distancing itself from the source material, Here & Now leans fully into the joy of Steps’ catalogue, which appears to be exactly what audiences want.

Here and now musical cast

The cast brings together performers with impressive West End credentials alongside rising talent making their professional debuts. Rebecca Lock leads as Caz, returning to the role following the Birmingham premiere, while Finty Williams plays Patricia (West End Theatre).

Main performers

The core ensemble includes Jacqui Dubois (Vel, previously in Ghost The Musical), Chris Grahamson (Gareth, previously in NOW That’s What I Call A Musical), and Rosie Singha (Neeta, previously in & Juliet). London Theatre 1 reports that Georgia Christofi makes her professional debut in the production, while other cast members bring experience from productions including Les Misérables, Wicked, and MAMMA MIA!

Casting details

The touring production will see some cast changes as the show progresses. Theatre Royal confirms that Lara Denning joins the cast as Caz from a later point in the tour, while Wikipedia lists Sally Ann Matthews joining as Patricia. Blake Patrick Anderson and River Medway play Robbie and Jem respectively in both Birmingham and UK & Ireland tour productions.

The pattern: the production balances recognisable West End names with fresh talent, creating an ensemble that appeals to theatre subscribers seeking established performers while also offering discovery moments.

Here and now musical tour

The UK and Ireland tour officially opens at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on 29 August 2025, running through May 2026 (West End Theatre). This extensive routing takes in major cities across Britain and Ireland, with the Dublin leg representing one of the most anticipated stops.

Dublin dates

Dublin audiences can catch the show at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from 23 September to 4 October 2025. Doors open one hour before each performance, with the show running approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes including one interval (Bord Gáis Energy Theatre).

London and other stops

The full routing includes Manchester, Glasgow, Southend, Woking, Aberdeen, Newcastle, London, Nottingham, Sheffield, Liverpool, Brighton, Stockton, Southampton, Belfast, Cardiff, York, Oxford, Edinburgh, Wolverhampton, Truro, Plymouth, Milton Keynes, Blackpool, Norwich, Hull, Leicester, Leeds, and Canterbury — making it one of the most comprehensive theatre tours in recent memory (West End Theatre).

Ticket info

Tickets for Dublin performances are available through Ticketmaster. Given the show’s strong early reception and the limited Dublin window, fans are advised to book early to secure preferred dates.

Hilarious and heart-warming — a new Steps musical that captures the spirit of the band.

— Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

The chemistry among the cast is palpable, and the way the Steps catalogue is woven into the narrative feels earned rather than forced.

— London Theatre 1 review

Related reading: Stand by Me Cast – Full List, Then and Now, Who Died · Cast of Romeo and Juliet 1996: DiCaprio, Danes & Full List

Jukebox enthusiasts will spot familiar vibes in the dystopian We Will Rock You musical, where Queen’s anthems fuel a rebellious rock narrative much like Steps’ hits here.

Frequently asked questions

For theatre fans in Dublin and across Ireland, the arrival of Here & Now represents a rare opportunity to catch a fresh, award-nominated production featuring some of pop’s most reliable anthems. Whether you’re a Steps devotee from the original era or discovering the catalogue for the first time, the musical’s blend of familiar tracks and heartfelt storytelling offers an evening that feels both nostalgic and genuinely entertaining.