Now That’s What I Call A Musical at the Bristol Hippodrome
I went to see Now That’s What I Call A Musical at the Bristol Hippodrome last night, and while it wasn’t the most captivating story, it was still a fun night out—especially for fans of 80s music.
While the storyline itself was a little slow-moving and didn’t always hold my attention, the vocal performances more than made up for it. The entire cast had fantastic voices, and their delivery of the well-known songs really carried the show. The audience clearly loved the nostalgia, singing along at times (quietly, no raucous behaviour here) and really getting into the music.
One of the biggest highlights of the show was undoubtedly the costumes. The transitions between the modern-day scenes and the 80s flashbacks were seamless, and the costume changes played a huge part in making those shifts feel authentic.
It must be incredibly tricky to switch between eras so frequently, but the production handled it impressively while allowing real nostalgia for recognising the classic 80s ‘look’.
Another standout highlight for me was Frank Snr’s voice (Shakil Hussain) —it was rich, powerful, and full of character. The younger cast members also shone, delivering some brilliant vocal performances that really did them proud.
One of the best things about theatre these days is that it feels so much more accessible. Seeing such a diverse range of body shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and ages on stage means that anyone watching can recognise themselves in a performer. It’s inspiring to think that theatre is becoming a space where people from all walks of life can see a path into the industry, making it open to so many more people. That can only be a positive for the future.
Overall, if you spent your teenage years listening to 80s hits, this show will definitely bring back some memories. It might not be the most gripping story, but the music and performances make it a fun, feel-good night out.
Available to see until Saturday April 5 At Bristol Hippodrome.
