Now That’s What I Call A Musical delivers a splendid night of 80’s nostalgia

MAYFLOWER Theatre patrons were treated to a rip-roaring romp through the ‘80s with the all-singing, all-dancing jukebox show Now That’s What I Call a Musical.

This flamboyant show celebrating the highs and lows of ‘80s culture also featured a story of friendship and love at its core.

On stage at the Southampton theatre until Saturday, the musical extravaganza – inspired by the hugely popular compilation tapes – even featured a guest appearance from chart-topper Sonia performing her biggest hit You’ll Never Stop Me From Loving You.

The story begins in 2009, with Gemma (Nina Wadia) and her younger brother Frank (Shakil Hussain) attending a 20-year school reunion in a Birmingham pub. As the former school pals reunite, Gemma is hoping that her best friend April will show up, almost two decades after flying off to Hollywood to pursue a showbiz film career.

Flashbacks to the 1980s show the strong bond between the younger versions of Gemma (Nikata Johal) and April (Maia Hawkins) as they both stand on the cusp of adulthood sharing their dreams of the future. Together with a younger version of Frank (Luke Latchman) who is hopelessly in love with April, the trio belt out a medley of hits combining superb voices, with fabulous choreography masterminded by Craig Revel Horwood.

The second half of the show focuses on the adult characters as April (played by X Factor winner Sam Sailey), Gemma and Frank all face disappointment that their lives didn’t go exactly to plan, before ultimately finding the silver lining as they discover the bonds of friendship really are unbreakable. In a dream like sequence, the appearance of Sonia is enough to snap Gemma out of a depression in the aftermath of leaving her unfaithful husband.

Scenery is brilliantly designed as the story moves between numerous settings including a pub, a cocktail bar, a video rental store, Gemma’s sleek apartment and her childhood home. Meanwhile, clever props are incorporated into the choreographed dance routines very effectively.

With Revel Horwood at the helm it is no surprise that choreography is superb with the talented ensemble appearing in a whole array of dazzling costumes – particularly for the hits Hey Mickie and Video Killed the Radio Star. It was also refreshing to see an ensemble made up of dancers across a spectrum of ages and body shapes.

With a story of friendship and acceptance at its core, it felt very fitting that I went along to see the show one of my oldest and closest friends – and together we had a blast. Although the storyline was somewhat lost in the first half among the medley of hits, there were some lovely interactions between the adult characters in the second half.

Overall, the show was a triumph, packed full of ‘80s nostalgia, a medley of party hits, all executed by a superb cast and ensemble. Now That’s What I call a Musical is on stage at Southampton Mayflower Theatre until Saturday. Tickets are from £24.50. To book visit www.mayflower.org.uk