Pop band Steps will be taking to the stage for an extra special performance at the gala night of Here & Now: The Steps Musical.
The musical is embarking on a UK tour and will have its gala night in Manchester on 4 September, following a successful debut run in Birmingham.
Set in a seaside discount store called Better Best Bargains, Here & Now blends retail chaos with romantic drama. It’s a Friday night. The fluorescent lights are buzzing, the speakers are blaring Steps hits, and everyone’s got their groove on. But when a scandal erupts among the staff, it’s more Tragedy than party. The plot, penned by Shaun Kitchener, navigates themes of friendship, betrayal, and second chances—underscored by a soundtrack that defined a generation.
Fans can expect all the group’s biggest chart-toppers, including Stomp, Chain Reaction, One For Sorrow, Love’s Got A Hold Of My Heart, Better Best Forgotten, Heartbeat, and 5,6,7,8. The musical also weaves in hits from their recent comeback era, such as the iTunes #1 singles What The Future Holds and Heartbreak In This City (featuring Michelle Visage). With over 22 million records sold, 11 national arena tours, and 500 million streams to their name, Steps remain one of the most iconic British pop acts to have ever graced the charts.
Returning to the production are ELF – The Musical and School of Rock star Rebecca Lock as Caz, acclaimed stage veteran Finty Williams as Patricia, and RENT’s Blake Patrick Anderson as Robbie. Joining them are RuPaul’s Drag Race UK fan favourite River Medway as Jem, along with Edward Baker Duly (The King and I, The Third Man) as Max and John Stacey (My Fair Lady, Kiss Me Kate) as Lesley. New additions to the cast include Jacqui Dubois (Ghost), Chris Grahamson (NOW That’s What I Call A Musical), and Rosie Singha (& Juliet).
Behind the scenes, the creative team brings serious theatre clout. Here & Now is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with choreography by Olivier Award-winner Matt Cole and musical supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Matt Spencer-Smith. Set and costume designs come from Tom Rogers and Gabriella Slade respectively, with lighting by Howard Hudson and sound design from Adam Fisher. Sam Cox handles wigs, hair, and makeup, while casting comes courtesy of Will Burton for Grindrod Burton Casting. Phij Adams lead music tech with production management by Setting Line.
Produced by Steps themselves in collaboration with ROYO and Pete Waterman, Here & Now isn’t just a tribute to a legendary band—it’s a full-scale theatrical celebration of their legacy. For fans who grew up with glowsticks, platform trainers, and perfectly synchronised dance routines, this is set to be the ultimate night out.
The band have previously joined the cast on stage at the gala night in Birmingham and for a performance on BGT.
Steps will perform at the gala night on 4th September.
Manchester Opera House- Tue 02 — Sat 13 Sep 2025
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