Having seen the original Take That Musical in Manchester some years' ago, then called 'The Band', I was expecting this reworking to be something different, to pack a bigger emotional punch, to feature the Boy Band in a more biographical or revealing light etc. However in reality, this was essentially the same show with a couple of changes which did not work as well.
And although this is a Take That Musical, showcasing 18 of their hits, the band is very much a secondary feature of the show, and they never actually get to perform an entire song themselves as it would have been performed by the band themselves. The story, instead, centres around a group of 5 school girl friends, especially Rachel, who, at 16 years old, form a bond of friendship and travel from their home to Manchester to see the band perform live. But then they are forced to deal with tragedy as one of their member is killed [perhaps this is metaphor for Robbie Williams's departure from the band(?)]. Fast forward 25 years and the the 4 adults, now living very different lives, come together once again, as Rachel wins a radio competition to see the band perform live in Athens and takes her high school friends with her. - again perhaps another direct metaphor for the band's reunion and comeback. The final scene (plus balloons) confirms this idea, and is very touching.
The story is both comedic - in a very 'Dinner Ladies' or 'Loose Women' sort of way, but has heart and does pack an emotional punch. And the nine females who play both the teenagers and their adult incarnations all make their mark. It's 'Mamma Mia' with Take That's music, not Abba's!
For hardcore Take That fans though, this musical might prove a little bit of a let-down. Not once is the band ever mentioned by name, and so it actually could be ANY boy band, and, despite their dancing and ensemble skills, their singing is not up to the Take That standard, and they really only feature as a secondary part of the musical; with them even being tasked into moving the stairs and stage blocks which comprise the composite and simple set utilised for the show. They even have to wear morph suits and pretend to be Greek statues as act 2 opens! Songs are sung in the background or in shadow, and they rarely get their chance to 'Shine'!
The show doesn't quite 'Rule The World', - this is not a Jukebox musical in the usual sense of the term; but much more a comedy play with heart, featuring some of Take That's hits - but it is definitely worth watching to enjoy the high quality acting, and energetic and precision nifty dance moves! It's upbeat and feelgood, and guaranteed to 'relight your fire'!
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 15.8.23
on - 15.8.23
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