Anyone who likes 'Take That' music will love, love, love this show! Written by Tim Firth who also had a hand in the directing along with Stacey Haynes, the show tells the tale of five friends growing up in Manchester in the 1990’s obsessed by the Take That boys’ group and who reunite many years later to see their favourite band - just for one last time.

It is no coincidence that the timing of this tour celebrates the 30th anniversary of Take That’s first UK No 1 single as well as the forthcoming release of the film of this musical.

The four girls really are the stars of this show providing all of the laughs and depth and feeling to each of their individual characters. They each compliment the other perfectly. Kym Marsh (formerly of Hear’say, Coronation Street and Waterloo Road fame) takes the part of Rachel, the academic dependable Zoe was played by Holly Ashton, Rachel Marwood was an energetic, vivacious Heather whilst Jamie Rose Monk played a sporty Claire.

Their five younger counterpart versions laid the groundwork for the story. Emilie Cunliffe (Marsh’s real daughter) has stunning vocals and played the range of emotions effortlessly, Kitty Harris played the Young Heather and captured completely the sassy, fashionable ‘it’ girl, Hannah Brown, as the younger Zoe revelled in her characters geekiness, whilst not forgetting Mari McGinlay’s striking presence as a young sporty Claire.
Mary Moore was wonderful as the ever lively and dancing Debbie. All possessed brilliant vocals producing some wonderful harmonies throughout the show.

The boyband played by Kalifa Burton, Jamie Corner, Archie Durant, Regan Gascoigne and Alexanda O’ Reilly certainly can move and wiggle their hips! Their performance was flamboyant and energetic with sharp, and dare I say, quite sexy choreography which perfectly emulated the ‘Take That’ presence that I remember from back in the day. However, I thought the boys were vocally weak and I wasn’t entirely convinced that the correct balance had been struck between the band and the boy group.

The boys also had to move the scenery around which, although simple, seemed to take some effort and in many respects appeared clumsy.

A lovely touch by the costume designer, Lucy Osborne was the colour scheme for each of the female roles as each kept the same colour from childhood through to adult hood. It certainly assisted with the identification of each character, if indeed help was needed.

The lighting design by Rob Casey was brilliant during the big musical numbers really taking me back to my younger concert days.

So does the girl’s friendship survive the unavoidable test of time, careers and differing paths through life? The only way to find out is to go and see this show.

Whilst the show wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, the theatre was packed to the rafters and I was definitely in a minority of one judging by the reactions of those around me and beyond.