A group of 1980s students get together for a reunion after a gap of two decades – is it friends reunited or old rivalries remembered?

NOW That’s What I Call A Musical is playing at the Bristol Hippodrome this week until Saturday, April 5.

If you fancy a nostalgic trip back to the 80s then this is the show for you!

Pure musical theatre, the show reminds you of the beauty of youth, of dreams and aspirations, friendships and family, and the harsh reality that, 20 years on, reality may look somewhat different. 

With strong performances from the main cast, particularly younger and senior Gemma (Nikita Johal and EastEnders star Nina Wadia)  and April,(Maia Hawkins and our X-factor favourite Sam Bailey) the show doesn't disappoint. 

It begins with Wham! followed by an energetic remix of the controversial and banned 1983 tune Relax recorded by Frankie Goes To Hollywood.

The production is set simultaneously in a Birmingham pub in 1989 and 2009.

In a chaotic opening scene you must try to understand the significance of two underage schoolgirls in a pub in 1989 before the music takes over.

Standout tracks included Trevor Horn's Video Killed The Radio Star with a reenactment of the iconic video, as well as Cindy Lauper's Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Aretha Franklin's Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves also a hit for British pop duo Eurythmics and written by band member Annie Lennox.

Maia Hawkins professional debut as younger April impresses with a spellbinding adaption of Tears For Fears, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, which left those in the audience moved and emotional by her heartfelt vocals. 

From shell suits to stonewashed jeans; denim jackets to white stilettos; then shiny rara dresses and party boppers, the show continued to remind you of the bygone era. and fashions perhaps you would rather forget? 

The set moves seamlessly between pub, video store, kitchen and bedroom as furniture was expertly manoeuvred by the cast.

And adding to the nostalgia references to renting videos, Sony Walkmans and playing cassettes made the 50-something feel their age!.

The choreography is clever as you would expect from that expert of stage dance Craig Revel Horwood, it is an understated as the cast casually perform to a medley of 80s tracks.

The cheesy addition of guest star Sonia for one glitzy number was probably the short straw for Bristol as she gave an underwhelming vocal performance which was shoehorned awkwardly into the storyline.

Sadly, this was unnecessary and detracted from the professional performances of Nina Wadia and Sam Bailey who’s acting and vocals were far more impressive. 

Overall, a light-hearted, fun night out that reminds you of the value of friendships, puts a smile on your face and takes you back! 

This is a jukebox musical celebrating its 40th anniversary and coming to an end of its UK tour in Bristol.

Online tickets from £13+ £3.95 transaction fee here NOW That's What I Call A Musical.

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Reviewers Lynette and Jo