The ‘Greatest Days’ musical commenced at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff last night to a sold out audience and it was a nostalgia trip for the ages.
Previously titled The Band, the show broke box office records when it was performed from 2017-2019. For fans who have already seen the musical in the past, this provided something different.
From award winning writer Tim Firth, the story is heartwarming and hilarious while tackling themes of love, loss, laughter and friendship. It takes you on an emotional rollercoaster but there is something for everyone to love with more than 15 Take That songs featured.
The musical follows five boy band obsessed best friends in the 1990s, who reunite 25 years later to see their heartthrobs one last time in what could be the Greatest Days of their life.
It stars Kim Marsh from Coronation Street and the band Hear’Say who puts in an incredible and touching performance along with a brilliant cast.
The casting was excellent for this and includes Emilie Cunliffe, the daughter of Kim Marsh who plays a younger version of her mother’s character in the play. You can view the full list of cast and creatives HERE
Parts of the story are really tearjerking with some really sad moments that are turned into something uplifting with an emotional ending. It reminds people of their childhood growing up watching Top of the Pops with a story that everyone can relate to in some way.
These moments are perfectly intertwined with the songs that reflect different emotions, the sound production was really clever throughout (by Tony Gale). It was so joyous with some great humour and jokes throughout to balance out the sad parts.
It was uplifting with a beautiful dynamic between the cast with the older women looking back at younger versions of themselves which the audience would have done as well.
While the staging was simple, it was still effective as it moved around seamlessly to represent each scene (by Lucy Osborne). There was great choreography to go alongside the music with a plethora of costume changes that represented different characters and the fashion at the time.
Moments of excellence compelled the audience and made this play special, I really enjoyed the reunion but also the story of their childhood and it is beautiful to see them all coming together towards the end.
Even if you aren’t a fan of Take That, you will enjoy this musical because it is about more than just the songs, it is a beautiful story that leaves you laughing and crying.
It is really a must see for everyone as it is nostalgic and a fun night out for a certain generation but also fun and emotional for a younger generation.
There is a great atmosphere with a radio playing older hits before the show starts and audience participation at the end where you can sing and dance along.
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Take That’s first ever UK number one single ‘Pray’ and coinciding with the summer release of the movie of this musical, Greatest Days is a night out that you will Never Forget.
It is showing in the Donald Gordon Theatre until the first of July with matinee and evening performances with tickets available from £15. (Age guidance 8+)
To get tickets or view more information, visit the WMC’s website