As the blurb says, “Get ready to relive the soundtrack of your youth at Now That’s What I Call a Musical” and wow, oh boy wow, did I do just that!

Why this musical now? Well, it’s in celebration of the iconic compilation albums from the Now That’s What I Call Music range, can you even believe they’re FORTY years old !!!

It was literally only a few years ago I’m sure!

To mark this incredible achievement, we’re presented with an a-ma-zing production, written by award winning author, writer, performer and dramaturg, Pippa Evans and directed and choreographed by the fab-u-lous Craig Revel Horwood who let’s face it, waves magic dust over everything he touches. I AM a fan.

The Story.

It’s 1989 in Birmingham, two best friends April and Gemma are busy planning their lives and dreaming of exciting times ahead.  Amidst ( a lot of ) hairspray, make-up and fantasies of marrying Rick Astley ( who still doesn’t to this day? ahem ).

Gemma dreams of being a nurse, marrying, having six kids and living happily ever after. April plans to conquer the world as an Oscar winning actress, literally being a diamond of the darlings.

Cut to Birmingham 2009 and the dreaded school reunion, where the realities of adulthood are out there front and centre.

The Show.

Is it enough to just shout WOW ?

Probably not but hey.

Strap yourselves in for an 80’s extravaganza of chart toppers, smash hits and MTV moments as the lively, vibrant, energetic show bursts onto the stage.

We’re treated to hit after hit, banger after banger as the songs lead the show from start to finish. Even in the non musical scenes, the background hums with tunes ( chooons ) so you’re never far away from the cornerstone of the show.

Led by Maia Hawkins ( younger April ) and Nikita Johal ( younger Gemma ) we meet the two best friends forever gushing over pop icons, boys and ambitions to set their world alight. There are plenty of now and then moments putting into context the storyline which, although flimsy and predictable possibly, is so relatable and real.

Themes that resonate with the audience are palpable but with the delicious soundtrack pulling it all together, it’s superb. There are some beautiful solos which showcase each performer gloriously, the powerful vocals from Maia Hawkins are beyond ! ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’ was phenomenal.

It’s incredible to read that this is her professional performance debut!

I really loved when the solos turn into a duet with the younger selves especially, it’s incredibly heartfelt and touching at many points of the show.

Cleverly interspersed with the two gutsy, assured teenagers, are scenes with the adults as lives reflect back and forth. Gemma is now married to a, well, a total cad ( Tim, Chris Grahamson ) who only thinks of and loves himself and money from the get go. April’s career hasn’t gone quite the way she expected but she fronts it out, seemingly dropping Gemma along the way as she’s blinded by imminent stardom.

Nadia Wadia ( adult Gemma ) and Melissa Jacques ( adult April ) blow you away with their intense performances. The focal characters work so well together you really do believe they are bffs. Their storyline tells of how even the best of friendships can get lost but be found again, how trust and truths can make or break you and obviously, how love prevails.

What actually happens, you’ll have to go see for yourself because this is a show that demands to be watched and enjoyed.

Each show has a guest STAR and in Milton Keynes, we were treated to the one and only SONIA ! The lively Liverpool lass still belts it out and sparkles in her one piece as she gives kindly advice to Gemma just when she needs her most. Her entrance is suitably angelic so think Grease and teen angel but with a kick and plenty of bling to boot.

Throughout the whole show, there are one liners galore that leave you laughing out loud, plenty of references to 80’s ads that had us all reminiscing of waffles for tea especially as versatile as they were …. but my standalone comedy moment belongs to April and her Most Dramatic Moment. I literally had tears of laughter at that! I fully intend to embrace that MDM daily 😉

Staging is cool and of its time bringing back many a memory of the clubs and pubs of my yoof complete with a bacardi and coke or two. Maybe the set changes are a little clunky at times but overall the effect is great. A kitchen to a bar to a club to a rooftop to Hollywood to a hospital….it all happens.

Lighting as always from Ben Cracknell is spot on. He has the ability to lift every moment visually to such a level, it’s magic.

The costumes and props were perfect. NTWICAM literally transports you back to the 80’s in a heartbeat.

The ensemble work exceptionally hard throughout, set changes, stunning routines and songs, and by songs I mean massive musical numbers and I’d love to go every to every performance just to focus on each character in their own role. Steve ( Phil Sealey ) is outrageously excellent, Barney ( Callum Tempest ) ADORABLE, pizza will never be the same 🤪, Frank ( Shakil Hussain ) so lovable and dorkily delightful… I could go on. Just go see them.

The storytelling overall is exceptional. I have never left a show so full of H A P P Y, reminiscing of the cassette tape and the Top 40 days of innocence and oh so many beautiful memories. One special memory for You Dad.

I was very trepidatious about the show, groaning beforehand thinking I’d get nothing but cheese and churned out numbers just for the sake of it, instead we got truffles and fizz with the highest quality of a well thought out, written and executed showcase spectacular. CRH gets the TEN paddle from me yet again as do absolutely all the cast, crew, production and theatre peeps. Full of fun, superb direction and a total credit to the compilation albums, Now That’s What I Call a Musical is just everything you could ask for, sensational, nostalgic, hilarious and real!

Now That’s What I Call A Musical! is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 16th November 2024.  Tickets are available from £13.00 (+ £3.95 transaction fee), General bookings: 0844 871 7615, Access bookings:0333 009 5399, Group bookings:0207 206 1174 or online.