The highly anticipated new musical "HERE & NOW," presented by iconic UK pop group Steps, has unveiled its principal cast for the upcoming UK and Ireland tour. The production, featuring Steps' beloved hit songs, is set to open at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on August 29, 2025, and will captivate audiences across the nation until May 16, 2026, concluding at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury.
Returning from the musical's successful original run in Birmingham are familiar faces and acclaimed performers. Rebecca Lock (ELF – The Musical, School of Rock) will reprise her role as Caz, and Finty Williams (The Baker’s Wife, The Ocean at the End of the Lane) returns as Patricia. Also reprising their roles are Blake Patrick Anderson (Emojiland, RENT) as Robbie, River Medway (a fan favourite from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK) as Jem, Edward Baker Duly (The King and I, The Third Man) as Max, and John Stacey (Kiss Me Kate, My Fair Lady) as Lesley.
Exciting new additions to the principal cast include Jacqui Dubois (Ghost The Musical UK tour) as Vel, Chris Grahamson (NOW That’s What I Call A Musical UK and Ireland tour) as Gareth, and Rosie Singha (& Juliet UK and Ireland tour) as Neeta. Further casting announcements are expected soon.
"HERE & NOW" boasts an original book by Shaun Kitchener and is proudly produced by the members of Steps themselves, alongside ROYO and Pete Waterman. The creative team is led by Director Rachel Kavanaugh, with choreography by the Olivier Award-winning Matt Cole, and Matt Spencer-Smith serving as musical supervisor, orchestrator, and arranger.
The story transports audiences to Better Best Bargains, a seaside superstore where Friday night is alive with dancing in the aisles. However, when Caz uncovers a web of deception, the dream of a summer of love threatens to turn into a tragedy. The musical explores whether a "happy ever after" is still within reach or if love has other plans.
Steps, the UK's most successful mixed-sex pop group, brings a formidable catalogue of hits to the stage, including their number one singles "Tragedy/Heartbeat" and "Stomp," alongside fan favourites like "One For Sorrow," "Better Best Forgotten," "5,6,7,8," and "Last Thing On My Mind." With over 22 million record sales, 500 million streams, and 11 sold-out national arena tours, their music provides the vibrant soundtrack to this brand new production.
This highly anticipated tour promises a nostalgic yet fresh theatrical experience for fans of Steps and musical theatre alike.
Photo credit: Rich Lakos
