News: Casting Announced for New Steps Musical Here & Now – Set to Hit Newcastle Theatre Royal in 2025

 

Casting Announced for New Steps Musical Here & Now – Set to Hit Newcastle Theatre Royal in 2025

Pop fans and theatre lovers alike have reason to celebrate: the hotly anticipated Here & Now musical, set to the soundtrack of UK pop superstars Steps, has revealed its principal cast for the upcoming UK & Ireland tour. The production will head to Newcastle Theatre Royal from Tuesday 28 October to Sunday 2 November 2025.

Returning to the show after its acclaimed Birmingham premiere are:

• Rebecca Lock (ELF – The Musical, School of Rock) as Caz

• Finty Williams (The Baker’s Wife, The Ocean at the End of the Lane) as Patricia

• Blake Patrick Anderson (Emojiland, RENT) as Robbie

• River Medway (fan favourite from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 3) as Jem

• Edward Baker Duly (The King and I, The Third Man) as Max

• John Stacey (Kiss Me Kate, My Fair Lady) as Lesley

New additions to the cast include:

• Jacqui Dubois (Ghost The Musical) as Vel

• Chris Grahamson (NOW That’s What I Call A Musical) as Gareth

• Rosie Singha (& Juliet) as Neeta

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The musical, written by Shaun Kitchener and directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, promises to be a high-energy celebration of love, friendship, and second chances — all set to the unmistakable soundtrack of Steps' biggest hits, including Tragedy, Stomp, 5,6,7,8, and One For Sorrow.

A Pop Legacy That Defined a Generation

Steps — made up of Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, Ian ‘H’ Watkins, Lee Latchford-Evans (who has just appeared at the theatre in & Juliet), and Lisa Scott-Lee — are the UK’s most successful mixed-gender pop group, boasting 14 top-five singles, four number one albums, over 22 million records sold, and 11 sold-out arena tours. Known for their infectious dance routines and feel-good anthems, Steps dominated the charts in the late 1990s and have enjoyed phenomenal success in their more recent comeback years.

Following their massive 2017 reunion tour and the chart-topping success of their Platinum Collection in 2022, Steps have cemented their place as British pop royalty — joining the ranks of ABBA, the Rolling Stones, and Stereophonics as one of the few acts to score UK number one albums across four consecutive decades.

Now, with Here & Now, the band is bringing their music to the stage in a fresh new way that blends nostalgia with contemporary storytelling.

The Story

Set in a seaside superstore called Better Best Bargains, Here & Now follows Caz and her friends as they navigate a summer of dancefloor dreams, unexpected betrayals, and the search for love. What begins as a joyful Friday night quickly unravels into heartbreak, forcing the characters to question whether their 'happily ever after' is still within reach.

The production boasts a powerhouse creative team, including choreography by Olivier Award-winner Matt Cole, set design by Tom Rogers, and costumes by Gabriella Slade (known for SIX and & Juliet).

Photos: Pamela Raith

Tickets:

Tickets for Here & Now at Newcastle Theatre Royal are available at theatreroyal.co.uk or via the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.