Surprisingly The Band – the new musical by Tim Firth interwoven with a plethora of Take That hits – is not a story of how The Band rose to fame, and their ups and downs. Instead the tale is from their fans’ perspective and shows how, despite what life throws at them, they stay lifelong loyal fans.
‘A complete triumph’: THE BAND – Touring ★★★★
The Band is not just a musical for Take That groupies – it’s a musical for anybody who grew up with a boyband. This is a musical which celebrates the music of Take That and so much more besides.
‘Engaging, endearing & entertaining’: THE BAND – Touring ★★★★
Superbly directed by Kim Gavin and Jack Ryder, aided by a strong team of equally imaginative creatives, there is so much more to the success of the intriguing musical The Band than one would imagine.
‘Best new musical to hit theatres in years’: THE BAND – Touring ★★★★★
Heart-warming and bursting with pop songs, The Band perfectly captures teenage fandom as Take That’s songs shine in this brand new musical.
‘The cast is exceptionally strong’: THE BAND – Touring ★★★★
Overall The Band is a success. If given the chance I would probably go and watch it again, as I felt the cast was exceptionally strong even when the story lacked motivation.
THE BAND – Touring
The authentic era staging, from a huge Teletext screen showing the Top 40 with Take That’s ‘Pray’ topping the chart, down to references of Smash Hits and Top of the Pops, catapult you back to your teenage bedroom.
THE BAND – Manchester & tour
What I found particularly pleasing was that The Band actually proves an engaging and entertaining piece of theatre, one that has clearly thought about the jukebox form and how it might be played with.