Review: How Soon is Now?
A Fantastic Trip Back to the 90s – How Soon Is Now?
The most recent offering at Ipswich’s New Wolsey Theatre was, How Soon Is Now? a wonderful mix of nostalgia, fantastic music, humour, friendship and some surprisingly moving moments.
Set in a Manchester nightclub on New Year’s Eve 1997, the story follows three young women, Polly, Angie and Jean, whose lives and experiences come together over one that night.
Polly (Laura Robinson) and Angie (Kaitlyn Akinpelumi) are ready for a great night out, while Jean (Bethan McLean) is much more lost and uncertain about her life. As the evening unfolds, we gradually discover more about each of them, their relationships, their hopes and fears, and the very different challenges they face.
How Soon Is Now? is not so much a musical as a play with lots of music.
What starts as a carefree night of dancing and music gradually reveals some much deeper and darker issues. The way the individual stories intertwine is beautifully handled, the story is dark at times but those moments tempered with fun as well.
And the music! For anyone who remembers the 1990s indie scene, the soundtrack is an absolute treat. Packed with familiar classics and brilliantly performed live, it captures the atmosphere and spirit of the era perfectly. The music isn’t simply there for nostalgia; it becomes part of the storytelling, reflecting the characters’ emotions and experiences. There were some genuinely spine-tingling musical moments.
Strong performances and terrific vocals, the voices of Laura Robinson, Kaityln Akinpelumi and Bethan McLean fit together so well. There’s an infectious energy that makes this a great night out.
A brilliant production that manages to be funny, uplifting, nostalgic and thought-provoking in equal measure. If you love 90s music, you’ll be in your element, and you’ll be tapping your feet and singing along. Well done to all involved in producing a great piece of theatre mixed with some nostalgia.
• The tour continues with Sheffield Playhouse 4-5 November and Scarborough Stephen Joseph Theatre 6 to 7 November
Review: Mark Keable, Ipswich24 Magazine