Theatre Review: Greatest Days, Bristol Hippodrome

Summary

Rating: ★★★★★

Running Dates: Monday 11th September - Saturday 16th September  

Where to see it: Bristol Hippodrome 

Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes (including interval)

Keywords: Emotive, moving, nostalgic  

Review

Greatest Days is advertised as ‘the official Take That musical’ and, on the face of it, it is. It features the band’s smash hits (over 15 of them to be exact), the ‘boys’ are typical heart-throbs and, at times, it feels like you’re watching the concert from the crowd! 

However, the story goes beyond the band itself; the story is about the fans. We are taken through the journey of what it means to be a fan, what it means to be part of something bigger, and what it means to be a friend. 

Writer, Tim Firth, wanted to portray the perspective of a fan that had followed the “same path” as the band they’d once loved. They may have “been in a band of friends who had loved, lost, fallen apart, reformed…”.

In my reviews, I usually explore the impressive set design, costumes, lighting, etc. However, this performance did not showcase elaborate props or staging, nor did it have quick costume changes that leave the audience in awe.

Simply, the show did not need to have any of the above as it would have detracted from the story itself. However, that’s not to say that the design or costume choices were not effective. The set was simplistic and neutral in colour, enabling the cast to stand out.

Recognising a group of friends after a 25-year time jump is made easy with each character being assigned a signature colour! The wardrobe department also seemed to be spot on with the contrast between their nineties and tweenies fashion trends.

Act One opens with an introduction to Rachel, in her forties, performing mundane tasks but reminiscing about her teenage years. A moment later, we’re thrown back 25 years to the school corridor with Rachel and her four best friends. 

We’re also introduced to ‘the boys’ who are, of course, handsome, well-dressed, and talented showmen! The band opens with Take That’s first UK number 1 single, Pray, which is enjoying its 30th Anniversary this year!

Feeling nostalgic in the 90s, we learn the intricacies of each character. We watch this group of friends, a girl band of their own, move together as one and then, ultimately, drift apart.

Look, there won’t be any spoilers from me, but I will say get your tissues ready!!

Act Two opens with our friends reunited, 25 years later, in Athens for the reunion tour of their beloved boy band. Again, we get to know each character as they all get to know each other, once more. It is refreshing to see relatable, multi-layered, flawed women being portrayed in all their glory.

This Act is an emotional rollercoaster. One minute you’re laughing out loud, the next you’re dancing along to Back for Good and then you’re back to reality (see what I did there?!) and picking up the tissues.

I daren’t say much more without spoiling the show! If you’re a fan of Take That, a fan of a good story or a fan of friendship then go and see this musical!

The show is running until the 16th of September so grab your ticket soon!

Standout Quote or Moment: the ending on the rocks (if you know, you know)!

See If: you relate to any of the main characters!

Similar Plays: I can’t think of any but the Greatest Days movie has been released so check that out! 

Last Impression: A heart-warming tribute to friendship and camaraderie, portrayed through the music of a legendary boy band!

Written by Chelsea Bartlett