The Band Review: Mayflower Theatre
Like many Take That fans we were hooked by last years TV show Let it Shine, which saw band Five to Five crowned champions, for the chance to star in The Band.
The Band is a musical is written by The Girls’ writer Tim Firth. It tells the story of five 16-year-old girls who are fans of a boy band and is based on the experiences of Take That and features their music, but the actual story follows the girls and is a genuinely-beautiful tale of love and loss, growing up and grief.
It is a big birthday for my Mum this year and when she expressed an interest in seeing it I bought tickets for the Mayflower Theatre Southampton for us.
As soon as we arrived at the theatre we were whisked back to 1993, with an old style TV dominating the stage with CEEFAX news from the year flicking past, with the charts and some quite topical and amusing news from 25 years ago.
The show is set between two arena concerts 25 years apart, and is the story of five teenage girls, how four of them grow older, and how pop music defines our lives whether we like it or not.
The story featured lots of our favourite Take That hits from the very beginning right up to the current day, complete with amusing references back to their dance moves and 90’s technology. The Take That-esque boyband cleverly weave in and out of the show’s story and, at times, literally burst out of the scenery.
The storyline was more of an emotional rollercoaster than I thought it would be, but thankfully there are far more ups than downs, thanks to some brilliant anecdotes, one liners and of course, the music.
The Band really feels like a thank you letter to fans. “We were girls of 16,” one character reminisces in act two. “We were fantastic. And we still are.”
If you go and see The Band, be prepared to laugh, cry, sing and dance along. The use of your light on your mobile phone is positively encouraged near the end too!!
I am only gutted we weren’t there on the day when Take That appeared on stage at the Curtain Call.
Have you seen The Band?
Jon
Looks like you had a great time! That ceefax screen really took me back!
Dean of Little Steps
This looks like fun! While I’m not a fan of Take That, we do however, enjoy musicals 🙂
Helen
I’ve not heard of The Band before, but it sounds like something my cousin would LOVE! Must let her know 🙂
Ana De- Jesus
I have never seen The Band but I did hear about Gary’s show and he is a talented musician so I can imagine that it must have been an amazing experience to behold.
Laura - Dear Bear and Beany
I’m so jealous you’ve been to see this. I LOVE Take That and really wanted to see The Band, but I’ve not managed to make it yet. If Take That made an appearance that would be even better!
Mary Abbott
This sounds great, my daughter would love this!
five little doves
Oh wow what a show! It sounds like you had a great time, I would have loved to see it!
Newcastle Family Life
I have never heard of this show before, it sounds great. I do love going to the theater x
JuggleMum, Nadine Hill
I love going to the theatre and this one looks like a great show. I just saw Fat Friends the Musical last week and enjoyed it. I’d see this too if it’s near me. I’m off to check out their website!
Kara
I really want to see that!
Louise Edwards
This looks like a brilliant t night out – i love musicals! I wasn’t a huge fan of TT but appreciate their music and the story sounds like just my thing. it would have been brilliant to have see the boys there too! x
Fozia S
Oh not heard of The Band. I remember Take That from back in the day! (Feeling old now!)
Sounds like you had a good time
Kira
Looks like you had a great time!! Haven’t been to the theatre since watching war horse . Really need to go again! We love it x
Sonia
Haha that is brilliant! I used to check the top 40 on Ceefax every single week! I’d love to watch The Band, so lovely of you to treat you mum. My mum is 70 on NYE this year and I have no idea what to get her x
Leona
This looks fab. I would love to see it