Now That's What I Call a Musical
This was a great evening of 80's nostalgia. This Jukebox musical had great music performed by the cast and band, it was definitely a great way to unwind after a very busy day at work.
The show itself doesn't require much thought, so you can switch off for the evening and enjoy the show, culminating in a sing and dance at the end with the mega mix. I certainly felt my day’s stresses easing away!
The book from Pippa Evans was largely fun and worked well. There was a nice blend of comedy and more serious moments. In Act 1 the younger versions of Gemma and April played by Nikita Johal and Maia Hawkins respectively were the gel holding it all together, weaving the past into the present (well, 2009!), with the older Gemma, played by Nina Wadia.
The show begins at a Year 10 Reunion for the class of 2009, where we meet Gemma, her brother Frank (Shakil Hussain), and pantomime villain husband Tim (Chris Grahamson). Gemma and Frank reminisce about their time at school, and we learn that Gemma hopes her best friend from school, April (Sam Bailey), will turn up at the reunion. We then watch two timelines unfold. In 1989, we see youthful ambition and friendship and in 2009, we follow the older Gemma and see how her reality now differs from her hopes and dreams.
As for the cast, Nina Wadia was great fun to watch, although she also had her fair share of angst to play, which she did beautifully. She had some lovely comic moments, with a drunk scene in the pub a particular highlight. Hers was a charming performance.
Local (Didcot) girl Maia Hawkins (no relation!) who plays April in her first ever professional role was amazing. She has a very bright future ahead. She had clear strong vocals, and great stage presence and charisma for someone so young. Young Gemma played by Nikita Johal was also very good, and a fantastic match for Maia’s young April.
Sam Bailey was great in her role as the older April too. She had the right balance of confidence, and vulnerability, and of course, her singing was extremely strong.
When Sam and Nina finally share the stage, their chemistry adds warmth and energy to the production.
This tour involves 1 of 4 guests, and at Oxford we were treated to “Carol Decker of T’Pau” as Gemma keeps referring to her. Carol’s guest appearance adds a further nostalgic touch, as a sort of fairy godmother character. It is a highlight. There she is, glammed up and surrounded by giant China teacups…she certainly makes an impact.
There is nostalgia aplenty. Set (including a lovely cassette tape surround), costumes and hairstyles are all dripping in 80s/90s kitsch. The production design and choreography deliberately invoke the style of period pop videos.
I loved the camp 'Mickey' and 'Video Killed The Radio Star' sequences, and thought there was a good mix of choreography from director and choreographer Craig Revel Horwood including at one point an Argentine Tango! Fab-u-lous darlings!
The audience reaction at Oxford was great, laughing in all the right places, and a couple of gasps at moments too. On leaving the theatre, I could overhear so many people saying how much they enjoyed it!
All in all this was a really good celebratory show with a big heart! A fun nostalgic night out.
This show was reviewed on the 25th March 2025 at the New Theatre Oxford where it runs until the 29th March 2025. Tickets available here: NOW That's What I Call A Musical Tickets | New Theatre Oxford in Oxford | ATG Tickets
Review written by Ruth Hawkins
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Photo credit: Pamela Raith
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