Bonkers, bold and unapologetically fun, Here & Now has arrived at New Theatre Oxford, and it delivers exactly what you would expect from a musical built around the hits of Steps.
The show is a must-see for die-hard fans of the band. For those less familiar with the back catalogue, it still offers a lively and light-hearted night out.
The writers use every theatrical device available to weave the songs into the story. Some of the introductions are cleverly staged. Others are knowingly outrageous. As the evening unfolds, the set-pieces grow more elaborate and the audience is kept guessing what will happen next.
One standout moment comes during 5, 6, 7, 8. Expect a “half-price hoedown” complete with blue-and-white hooded jumpsuits, shopping trolleys turned dance props, heart-patterned boxers, red fairy wings and even a drag queen dressed as frozen food. It is gloriously over the top — and that is entirely the point.
At its core, Here & Now is a feel-good story about love, friendship and second chances.
Caz (Lara Denning), Netty (Rosie Singha), Vel (Jacqui Dubois) and Robbie (Blake Patrick Anderson) each face their own relationship struggles. Netty cannot bring herself to speak to the man she likes. Robbie avoids commitment. Vel feels trapped in a relationship she no longer wants. Caz longs for a child. As their lives unravel, the audience is firmly on their side.
The New Theatre crowd was packed with Steps fans, clearly ready for a good time. While many resisted the urge to sing along during the show, the restraint did not last. By the finale, the audience was on its feet, clapping, dancing and belting out the hits.
Performance highlights include Denning and Dubois, both delivering strong vocal performances. Former Coronation Street actor Sally Ann Matthews is barely recognisable as Patricia. Edward Baker-Duly leans into sleazy Max with relish, and John Stacey brings warmth and humour to Lesley.
If you love Steps, this one is for you. If you do not, you may still find yourself swept along by the sheer energy of it all.
Show details
- Venue: New Theatre Oxford, 24–26 George Street, Oxford OX1 2AG
- Dates: Tuesday 17 February – Sunday 22 February 2026
- Running time: 2 hours 27 minutes, including interval
- Age guidance: 5+
- Content note: Includes discussion of baby loss, which some may find upsetting.
- Ticket prices: From £15
- Box office: Opens 90 minutes before each performance
Performance times in Oxford
- Thursday 19 February – 7.30pm (from £15)
- Friday 20 February – 7.30pm (from £15)
- Saturday 21 February – 2.30pm (from £28)
- Saturday 21 February – 7.30pm (from £15)
- Sunday 22 February – 3.00pm (from £28)
Tickets are available via ATG Tickets or directly through the theatre.
What is Here & Now about?
It is Friday night and Caz and her friends dream of the perfect summer of love. When her “happy ever after” falls apart, the group begin to question whether romance is worth the risk, or whether they should take a chance on happiness anyway.
Produced by Steps, ROYO and Pete Waterman, the show features hits including One for Sorrow, Better the Devil You Know, Deeper Shade of Blue and 5, 6, 7, 8.
It is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, known for Half a Sixpence and The Great British Bake Off Musical.
Who are Steps?
Steps are a British pop group formed in 1997. They became one of the UK’s most successful acts of the late 1990s and early 2000s, selling more than 20 million records worldwide.
Known for tightly choreographed routines and catchy dance-pop tracks, the group scored a string of Top 10 hits including One for Sorrow, Tragedy, Better the Devil You Know and 5, 6, 7, 8.
The band split in 2001 before reuniting a decade later. They have since toured extensively and released new music, building a loyal multi-generational fanbase.
Here & Now uses their songs to tell an original story about friendship and love.
Full UK & Ireland tour dates 2025–2026
| Venue | City | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| New Theatre Oxford | Oxford | 17–22 February 2026 |
| Edinburgh Playhouse | Edinburgh | 24 February – 1 March 2026 |
| Wolverhampton Grand Theatre | Wolverhampton | 10–15 March 2026 |
| Plymouth Theatre Royal | Plymouth | 24–29 March 2026 |
| Milton Keynes Theatre | Milton Keynes | 31 March – 4 April 2026 |
| Blackpool Opera House | Blackpool | 8–12 April 2026 |
| Norwich Theatre Royal | Norwich | 14–19 April 2026 |
| Hull New Theatre | Hull | 21–26 April 2026 |
| Leicester Curve | Leicester | 28 April – 3 May 2026 |
| Leeds Grand Theatre | Leeds | 5–10 May 2026 |
| Marlowe Theatre | Canterbury | 12–16 May 2026 |
