To celebrate 40 years of the iconic compilation album brand ‘NOW That’s What I Call Music’, a new British musical comedy, NOW That's What I Call a Musical, takes some of the biggest hits from the 80s and 90s featured on those albums and turns them into an epic jukebox musical.
With over 20 legendary pop songs from artists like Blondie, Tears for Fears, Spandau Ballet, and more, this new stage production is built around a selection of timeless tracks. NOW That's What I Call a Musical unfolds across two timelines, starting in 2009 at a school reunion in a Birmingham pub. As the DJ spins classic 80s and 90s hits, Gemma (Nina Wadia) hopes to reconnect with her old friend April (Sam Bailey), whom she hasn't seen in years. The musical then jumps back to 1989, where younger Gemma (Nikita Johal) and April (Maia Hawkins) are navigating their teenage years, worrying about boys, careers, and their love for pop stars like Rick Astley and Sonia. The story switches back and forth between these two timeframes, introducing other key figures in the girls’ lives while revealing whether they achieved their dreams—set to an infectious soundtrack.
The script, written by award-winning comedian Pippa Evans, features some fantastic characters and laugh-out-loud moments.The plot mainly serves as a backdrop for the music hits, with the songs propelling the narrative rather than merely fitting into it. Hey Mickey is a perfect example of this.
Director and choreographer Craig Revel Horwood embraces the zest of the show—his direction is playful, and even some of the dance moves, which may seem a bit outdated or clunky, appear to be used ironically.
Nina Wadia and Sam Bailey are both fantastic in the lead roles. Sam's voice is extraordinary, and both deliver excellent comic timing and have great chemistry. Maia Hawkins, playing the younger April, steals the show in Act One. With powerhouse vocals and plenty of 80s sass, she’s phenomenal. Chris Grahamson is magnificent as obnoxious, lecherous yuppie Tim. The younger version of Tim, played by Kieran Cooper, is equally impressive, replete with mullet and smooth dance moves; the perfect villain who you’ll love to hate. There are also some spectacular ensemble performances, especially from the exuberant and exceptionally talented Emily Barnett-Salter.
As for the music, all the songs are executed flawlessly, with some sparkling choreography, but the staging for Video Killed the Radio Star and Gold is especially extravagant and visually striking. I was delighted that some of my personal favorites, such as St. Elmo’s Fire and Tainted Love were included. With so many classics, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
The UK tour of NOW That's What I Call a Musical features a stellar lineup of special guest stars, including Sinitta, Toyah Wilcox, and Carol Decker, who will appear at venues across the UK.
In Wimbledon, the guest star is Liverpool legend Sonia Evans (known mononymously as Sonia), who steps in to help one of the protagonists at a crucial moment. Sonia’s solo performance is nothing short of sensational. She makes her grand entrance bathed in white light, reminiscent of the Teen Angel from Grease, and clearly has a blast performing one of her biggest hits for an enthusiastic audience. Sonia also features in the fabulous mega-mix curtain call at the end of the show.
If you’re looking for fun, nostalgic escapism, NOW That's What I CallAMusical delivers it in spades.
NOW That’s What I Call A Musical
