The cast of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith
NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A MUSICAL is a fun, nostalgic jukebox musical packed with 1980s hits, strong performances, lively choreography, and plenty of laughs.
Ah, the 1980s – a time when every hairbrush doubled as a microphone, ra-ra skirts were all the rage, and you could dream of being anything you wanted to be. It was the decade that brought us frothy, fun pop, and if that’s what you’re looking for, NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A MUSICAL is exactly what you need.
Set in both 1989 and 2009, NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A MUSICAL follows two friends who have drifted apart over time. They reunite at a school reunion to see that their lives have not exactly turned out how they expected when they were full of hope and enthusiasm in 1989. The audience experiences both timelines simultaneously, with as many 1980s crowd pleasers as can be shoehorned into the story. While some songs do feel a little randomly inserted – as expected from a jukebox musical – the rendition of VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR, for example, is performed brilliantly and has the audience singing along.
Maia Hawkins, Luke Latchman & Nikita Johal in NOW That’s What I Call A Musical. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith
The cast is excellent as an ensemble. A special mention goes to Maia Hawkins in her professional debut in this production who has an impressive and powerful voice. She is perfectly cast as the younger version of April, played in the older role by X FACTOR winner Sam Bailey. Her counterpart, as the younger version of Nina Wadia’s character, Gemma, also does not disappoint, with both duos harmonising beautifully.
Supporting cast members shine too. Poppy Tierney and Phil Sealey bring plenty of laughs as Gemma’s parents, while Shakil Hussain as her brother Frank and Callum Tempest as Barney add even more comedic moments.
There are gasps as well when the villainous Tim, played with the right amount of sleaze by Chris Grahamson in his older form, finally gets his comeuppance, earning cheers from the audience. His younger self, played by Kieran Cooper, is just as sleazy (with the added bonus of a mullet) and gets plenty of groans for his cheesy chat-up lines.
Nikita Johal, Maia Hawkins & Nina Wadia in NOW That’s What I Call A Musical. Photo Credit: Pamela Raith
Then there’s the ethereal agony aunt, Sonia, whose dreamlike entrance gets the audience singing along. Her brief appearance is memorable and she plays her role brilliantly.
The musical itself is very well choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, with keen attention to routines that are authentically 1980s. Costume designers of Tom Rodgers and Toots Butcher also work well to capture the essence of 80s fashion – it’s bold, loud, and undeniably fun.
NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A MUSICAL is a testament to the enduring love for the 1980s. It’s packed with laughter, surprises, and even a few moments of real drama, and yet still is a feel good experience. It is everything you remember from the decade and is fabulously frivolous. Bring your hairbrush, you might need it!
NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A MUSICAL runs at the Opera House, Manchester, until 1 February 2025.
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