Review: NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL A MUSICAL, New Theatre Oxford - Tour
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
NOW That’s What I Call A Musical brings the iconic 80s hits to the stage with a heavy dose of nostalgia, but unfortunately, the overall experience feels somewhat uneven. The show’s heart is in the right place, aiming to merge the beloved ‘NOW That’s What I Call Music’ albums of the 80s (with a hint of the 90s) into a feel-good story about friendship, youthful dreams, and the realities of adulthood. While there are undeniably fun moments, the pacing and script often struggle to hit the mark. At times, it’s hard to tell whether you’re laughing with the show or at it—and that’s a tricky space to be in.
The show begins at a 2009 School Reunion, where we meet Gemma (Nina Wadia), her brother Frank (Shahil Hussain), and pantomime villain husband Tim (Chris Grahamson). As Gemma and Frank reminisce about their time at school and the characters within its walls, we learn that Gemma hopes her best friend from school, April (Sam Bailey), will turn up at the reunion. From here, we watch two timelines unfold. In 1989, we see the youthful ambition and friendship of younger Gemma (Nikita Johal) and younger April (Maia Hawkins) from Gemma's memory. Simultaneously, in 2019, we follow the older Gemma and see how her reality now differs from what her optimistic future looked like in her youthful eyes.
The first act feels drawn out, with frequent time jumps between 1989 and 2009, and cumbersome scene changes that quickly lose their charm (carrying tables and chairs overhead, anyone?). Thankfully, the second half of the show picks up pace and becomes far more engaging.
Nina Wadia stands out with her effortless charm, drawing the audience in with ease. Sadly, the slow start means the wait for Sam Bailey becomes boring rather than teasing. When the pair finally do share the stage, their chemistry adds warmth and energy to the production, and Bailey’s vocals will leave many a jaw on the floor. While much energy is poured into the performances of the younger versions of Gemma and April, the older versions are left with little time to develop. Though they touch on some intricate issues, their performances often elicit a pantomime-like response rather than a tonal shift.
Musically, the show shines with a strong mix of 80s hits, including crowd-pleasers like ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’, ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’, and ‘Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves’. If you love 80s music, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. With its tongue-in-cheek approach, the narrative takes a back seat to the shoehorned-in songs—something many jukebox musicals fall victim to, but one can only conclude that this was a conscious and deliberate choice.
The guest appearance of 80s icon Carol Decker adds a nostalgic touch, and her role, reminiscent of the Teen Angel in Grease, is a playful highlight. Glammed up and surrounded by giant China teacups, she clearly aims to make an impact. For fans of T’Pau, her presence is a welcome nod to the era.
Visually, the show has some great moments that, at times, fall into over-indulgence, but with Craig Revel Horwood behind the directing wheel, one cannot be surprised—more is simply more. The elaborate set changes are well-executed, but the constant shifting of furniture and props starts to become tiring. The costuming is very on the nose, though fun touches like the nod to Heathers in Young April’s costume are appreciated.
Ultimately, NOW That’s What I Call A Musical offers a fun, nostalgic experience for anyone craving 80s music, but its uneven pacing and focus on jukebox tunes often push the story into the background. The cast works hard to bring the material to life, but there’s only so much they can do. It’s a light-hearted, feel-good show that will likely appeal to fans of the era, but for those on the periphery, it may fall flat.
The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, and for some, that’s exactly what makes it enjoyable. If you're in the mood for a nostalgic pop party, NOW That’s What I Call A Musical will likely hit the spot—but don’t expect anything more than a fun, throwback experience.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Alanna Boden