As a child of the 80’s, this show was an absolute trip down memory lane. Bursting with iconic songs, it had me grinning from ear to ear. From start to finish, it was pure nostalgia, and I couldn’t help but smile at every memory that popped into my mind throughout the performance.
I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about the nearly 3-hour set, especially after a busy day. Would my attention span hold up? But to my surprise, the show grabbed me right from the first note. The energy, the talent, the choreography—it was all so engaging that I barely noticed the time passing! Before I knew it, the show had flown by, leaving me wanting more. It’s a full-on 80's celebration, and I loved every minute of it!
A High-Energy 80’s Extravaganza
Directed and choreographed by the talented Craig Revel Horwood, Now That’s What I Call A Musical is an exhilarating, high-energy celebration of 80’s music. The musical brings to life some of the most iconic songs of the 1980’s through a fun and engaging storyline, where the magic of the era's music brings people together in unexpected ways.
At the heart of the show are Nina Wadia and Melissa Jacques, who shine as Gemma and April, two best friends who reunite at a school reunion in Birmingham. Their journey is filled with laughter, drama, and plenty of cheesy moments, but also unexpected twists. As old flames are rekindled and past relationships are revisited, Gemma and April are forced to confront their pasts and look ahead to the future with open hearts. The themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery take centre stage in this heartwarming and hilarious production, ensuring you’ll laugh, cry, and want to sing along in equal measure.
A Star-Studded Cast and Unforgettable Performances
Joining the leading ladies is pop icon Sonia, who makes a dazzling entrance from behind a curtain, wearing a sensational sparkling silver outfit and flanked by her equally glamorous dancers. She belts out a powerful song to Gemma, who is grappling with her choice of husband—the sleazy, cheating Tim.
Off stage, Sonia was just seventeen when she became a pop star. Whilst playing the Liverpool club circuit, she was spotted by record producer Pete Waterman. Sonia’s catchy debut single You’ll Never Stop Me Loving You, released in 1989, shot to Number One in the UK and sold a staggering 350,000 copies.
Special mention must also go to Nikita Johal and Maia Hawkins, who play the younger versions of Gemma and April, respectively. These two are stars in their own right, with exceptional talent and incredible vocals that shine throughout the show. They are real standouts and bring a fresh energy to the production.
As Gemma’s husband, Chris Grahamson plays Tim — a character you won’t necessarily warm to—but he brings plenty of laughs, particularly with his hilarious rendition of Gold. It’s moments like this that add a touch of humour and lightness to the show.
The Set and Visual Magic
One of the things that really impressed me was the set design. It seamlessly transitions from one location to another—moving effortlessly from the local pub to the family home, and even splitting cleverly to showcase Gemma in Birmingham and April living her seemingly best life in Hollywood. The visual fluidity of the set helps tell the story in a way that feels fresh and dynamic, all while transporting the audience right into the heart of the 80’s.
Conclusion: A Must-See 80's Musical Journey
If the 80’s were the soundtrack to your childhood, then this musical's line-up is unbeatable. With hit after hit, it’s impossible not to want to sing along and reminisce about the unforgettable tunes that shaped the decade. Songs like Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Tainted Love, Hey Mickey, and Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves bring the energy and excitement of the 80’s alive on stage.
So, grab your shell suit, crimp your hair, and don your leg warmers because you’re about to embark on the ultimate 80’s musical journey. With a star-studded cast, a soundtrack that’ll transport you straight back in time, and a set-list that will have you shoulder-shrugging in your seat and humming along, Now That’s What I Call A Musical is set to become a must-see theatre production for fans of 80’s music and comedy.
I’ve lost track of which number the Now That’s What I Call Music albums are on now, but back in the day, they were a staple on every Christmas list. A simpler time when our biggest worries were making sure our fringes and leg warmers stayed in place – the 1980’s. I’m pleased to say that Now That’s What I Call A Musical is a genuinely fantastic new musical comedy and a fitting tribute to 40 years of these iconic albums.
It’s more than just a musical; it’s a thrilling, nostalgic experience, expertly crafted by Craig Revel Horwood to bring the 80’s back to life on stage in a way that will leave you wanting to dig out your 80’s memorabilia long after the curtain falls.
Sensational - Don't miss this! Such a feel good show!
