There are shows you attend, and then there are shows you take part in. HERE & NOW: THE STEPS MUSICAL firmly belongs in the second category, and judging by the atmosphere inside the Wales Millennium Centre last night, Welsh fans have been counting the days until it arrived in Cardiff.
From the moment the doors opened, there was a sense that this was not just another night at the theatre. Groups of friends compared favourite STEPS songs in the foyer, outfits nodded knowingly to late 90s pop glamour, and there was a buzz that felt closer to a concert than a conventional musical. When the lights went down inside the Donald Gordon Theatre, the anticipation was already at full volume.
The story itself is warm, uncomplicated and refreshingly sincere. Built around themes of friendship, love, and second chances, it wisely avoids overcomplicating things. This is a show that understands why people are here. They want to feel good, sing along, and reconnect with the soundtrack of their youth. On that front, Here & Now delivers with confidence and charm.
The cast play their roles with a natural ease that keeps the audience on side throughout. Performances feel lived in rather than pushed, and the dialogue flows in a way that makes the emotional beats land without ever feeling forced. There is a genuine sense of ensemble too. Nobody is fighting for the spotlight, and that collective energy is what allows the show to glide so smoothly from scene to scene.
A special mention must go to SALLY ANN MATTHEWS, who has joined the tour in time for the Cardiff performances, taking over the role of Patricia. Best known to many as Jenny Bradley from Coronation Street, Sally Ann brings a grounded warmth to the character that fits beautifully within the show’s emotional core. Her performance feels assured and generous, and she slips into the company with the ease of someone who knows exactly how to hold an audience without ever asking for their attention outright. It is a confident addition to the cast, and one that clearly resonated with the Cardiff crowd.
The rest of the company are both individually and collectively strong. LARA DENNING as Caz carries a lot of the show emotionally and vocally and delivers some really terrific versions of STEPS classics. As does JACQUI DUBOIS as Vel, ROSIE SINGAH as Neeta and BLAKE RICKARDS who stood in for the role of Robbie.
We do want to also mention RIVER MEDWAY as Jem. You may remember River from the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. There is one hilarious routine, perfectly designed for River. It includes dancers, the tightest of sparkly outfits and a row of washing machines. We’ll say no more other than it is one of the standout moments in the show.
Musically, the show is an outright celebration. The STEPS catalogue is woven into the story with a light touch, allowing the songs to shine while still serving the narrative. Familiar tracks are greeted like old friends, and there is a constant ripple of recognition as the opening notes of each number land. The arrangements feel playful and respectful, never trying to reinvent the songs, just letting them do what they have always done best.
The reaction from the audience says everything. This is a crowd that knows every word, every beat, and more than a few of the dance moves. Welsh fans of STEPS have clearly been eager to see this production, and the connection between stage and seats is immediate and joyful. Laughter comes easily, applause is generous, and there is a shared understanding that everyone is in on the same celebration.
That sense of togetherness reaches its peak during the mega mix finale. By the time it arrives, the audience can barely contain itself. The first notes prompt an eruption of cheers, and within seconds the entire theatre is on its feet. What follows is less a curtain call and more a full scale pop party. Singing, dancing, and those unmistakable STEPS moves ripple through the Donald Gordon Theatre as performers and audience blur into one joyful mass.
It is impossible not to smile during those final moments. The show knows exactly when to let go and let the audience take over, and Cardiff does not disappoint. The energy is infectious, heartfelt, and utterly unpretentious.
Here & Now – The STEPS Musical may not be trying to change the face of musical theatre, but it does something far more valuable. It reminds us how powerful shared joy can be. For a couple of hours in Cardiff, nostalgia, pop music, and pure fun came together perfectly, and nobody wanted it to end.
Here & Now is a pure pop party that had Cardiff on its feet. and when the inevitable megamix came at the end (all ten minutes of it) we were all more than ready to Stomp all night. It was a fantastic way to finish the show.
HERE & NOW: THE STEPS MUSICAL is at the Wales Millennium Centre through to Saturday 7th February. Performances ar at 7:30pm with a 2:30pm matinee on Wednesday and Saturday. Things change on Thursday with two performances, at 4pm and 8pm. Tickets start at £19 and are available HERE.
Just a little note, Saturday is showing limited availability, so you’ll need to be quick.
You can read our original feature HERE.
