As an NSTA ambassador, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the RGS Worcester production of The Band on Tuesday 25th November 2025. Under the expert guidance of Artistic Director and Producer Mrs Jilly Witcomb, Musical Director Mr J Conway, Vocal Director Mrs C Tilling, and Choreographer Mrs S Thompson, this rendition of the new musical by Tim Firth was a stunning night of nostalgia and heart. From the opening notes to the final curtain call, it was clear that countless hours of dedication, collaboration, and passion had gone into this funny and poignant production.
The Band is a jukebox musical with music and lyrics by boyband Take That and a book by Tim Firth. It received its world premiere at the Manchester Opera House in September 2017, before embarking on a UK and Ireland tour and opened at the Theatre Royal Haymarket at London’s West End in December 2018. A film adaptation with the title Greatest Days was released in 2023. It follows a group of friends whose shared love for their favourite boy band shapes their teenage years and reunites them decades later. The musical explores themes of friendship, memory, and the enduring power of music, set against a backdrop of iconic Take That songs that bring both humour and emotional resonance to the story.
From the moment the audience entered the theatre, the atmosphere was palpable. The set design cleverly transported us from a fan’s bedroom to school, bus, concert venues, and beyond, with staging elements that allowed seamless transitions between past and present. Lighting and projections highlighted emotional scenes, adding layers to the storytelling and enhancing the immersive experience. Credit is due to Mr S Graeme and the tech club team, with stage crew Emilia, Ethan, Bruno, Henry, and the ensemble, alongside lighting and sound team Archie, Hamish, and Jack, for their efficiency and professionalism. The production opened with energy and precision. The opening scenes, featuring Young Rachel (Lilah) imagining the band in her everyday life, combined humour, nostalgia, and musicality, immediately engaging the audience and setting a high standard for the rest of the evening.
The main cast delivered compelling and memorable performances. The Band, portrayed by Kieran, Alex, Arthur, Callum, and James, captured the essence of a boy band with tight harmonies, coordinated choreography, and magnetic stage presence. Songs such as “Pray” and “Relight My Fire” were executed with enthusiasm and professionalism. Standout moments included The Band in gold lame during the Czech statue scene, combining humour and precision. Kieran’s performance was a highlight here, with a strong vocal performance; he handled the Take That songs with ease, bringing a youthful brightness to his solos and harmonies and a warm and charismatic presence to his character.
The younger ensemble – played by Audrey, Eva, Lilah, Verity, and Eloise – brought vibrancy and a strong sense of camaraderie to the production, with impressive comic timing and rapport, particularly from Verity as Young Heather. Lilah, as Young Rachel, showed excellent vocal control and emotional depth, bringing warmth and authenticity to her scenes; her performance showed a thoughtful grasp of Rachel’s motivations – particularly the character’s longing, loyalty, and the bittersweet memories that drive the story line.
Their adult counterparts – Becca, Abigail, Keziah and Amèlie – contributed humour and emotional sincerity, effectively highlighting the contrast between youth and adulthood while navigating challenging themes such as grief following the death of Debbie’s character. Transitions between the younger and older versions of the characters were seamless, reflecting the thoughtful direction of Mrs Jill Witcomb. Amélie, as Older Rachel, complemented her younger counterpart beautifully, providing a mature, nuanced performance that anchored the story. Keziah, as Older Zoe, gave a stunning performance, capturing the character’s humour and warmth with charm and sincerity, hitting challenging notes effortlessly while conveying the emotional depth of the songs. Her singing was infused with genuine feeling, capturing Zoe’s inner conflict, vulnerability, and longing in a way that drew the audience into her emotional journey. Her acting was equally outstanding and mature as she fully inhabited the character of the Older Zoe. Throughout the musical, she demonstrated a profound understanding of both the girl Zoe once was, and the woman she had become.
Supporting performances further enriched the production. Oliver, in multiple roles as Dave, including security guard, bus driver, Czech policeman, and roadie, brought comedic charm and versatility. Thomas, in his cameo as Jeff, added contrast to Rachel’s nostalgic journey. The wider ensemble worked cohesively, enhancing dramatic and musical moments such as “Back for Good”, “The Greatest Day”, “Shine”, and the finale “Rule the World”. Their collective presence strengthened both dramatic and musical numbers, providing a solid foundation that allowed the main cast to shine.
Choreographer Mrs S Thompson crafted routines that captured the iconic style of 1990s boy bands while allowing the pupils’ personalities to shine. Movements were precise, energetic, and synchronised, particularly in numbers like “Greatest Day” and “Relight My Fire”. Musical direction from Mr Conway and vocal direction from Mrs C Tilling ensured consistently strong performances throughout. Harmonies and solos were clear and expressive, with both the lead girls and The Band members growing in confidence as the performance progressed. The combination of choreography and live music, with the band positioned on stage platforms, created an immersive concert-like experience, visually and acoustically engaging the audience.
The RGS Worcester production of The Band was heartfelt, entertaining, and polished. Strong individual performances, a cohesive and versatile ensemble, and expert direction and musical leadership combined to create a show that was emotionally resonant and thoroughly enjoyable. This performance showcased the talent, dedication, and teamwork of every pupil involved, allowing each one to shine. From main roles to supporting ensemble members, each pupil contributed meaningfully to the production’s success. Their energy, commitment, and passion for performing arts were evident throughout. The show was a joyous celebration of friendship, music, and nostalgia, leaving the audience with laughter, emotion, and memories to cherish, soaring like the beautiful balloons in the final scene with the rendition of “Rule the World”.
National School Theatre Awards
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