Greatest Days
Theatre Royal
Described on the billings as 'The Official Take That Musical', 'Greatest Days' arrives in Norwich this week, a sparkling jukebox of a show which includes more than fifteen songs originally made famous by Gary Barlow and the boys. It delivers the fictitiomal account of how, thirty years after bunking off school to see a boy band perform in Manchester. four friends reunite to attend their former heroes' reunion gig in Athens. This a show, written by Tim Firth, that premiered in 2017, and is currently enjoying its second UK tour.
Even though the group are only ever referred to as 'The Band', any fans of Take That who grew up listening to their early hits - songs like 'It Only Takes A Minute' or 'Could It be Magic', need not be reminded of whom we are talking about. And, thanks to Firth's spirited script, 'Greatest Days' succeeds in transcending the halcyon days, recreating a sentimental and reflective journey that will take an entire generation back to their teenage years.
Rachel Marwood is magnificent, taking over from Kym Marsh as the adult Rachel, lead character and instigator of the schoolgirl reunion. By winning the radio competition to attend the band's reunion concert it creates a certain friction with long-term partner Jeff (played by Christopher D, Hunt). We never do learn the details of the accident that claimed the life of the fifth original friend, Debbie, but it is the reunion of the four remaining members of the gang that regalvanises their bond, and reinforces the importance of long-term friendships.
Alan Stocks is a comic chameleon, appearing in various guises from Manchester bus driver to Greek policeman, and hats off to the five actors who portray Rachel, Heather, Zoe, Claire and Debbie as teenagers, but it is with the older and wiser versions played by Marwood, together with Karen Holmes as Heather, Jamie-Rose Monk as Claire, and Holly Ashton as Zoe, that most of tonight's audience may have mostly identified.
There will only ever be one Take That, and whilst the songs live on in this musical homage, there can never be a true match when it comes to the super-slick dance routines and charismatic vocal performances of the original. However, as an evening of nostalgia and fabulous songs woven into a life-affirming tale of friendship and loyalty, 'Greatest Days' delivers an emotional experience to a generation that may have first grown up with Robbie, Gary, Howard, Jason and Mark.
