Now That’s What I Call A Musical at New Wimbledon Theatre - Review

By Diana and Jude

This week, New Wimbledon Theatre is taking audiences on a nostalgic trip back to the '80s with the touring production of Now That’s What I Call A Musical.

The story follows two best friends, April and Gemma, who graduate in 1989—one heading to nursing school, the other off to America to chase her dreams of becoming an actress. Flash forward to 2009, and the inevitable chaos and drama of a school reunion brings them face to face once again.

The plot, while fun in moments, felt a little thin—more like a vehicle for cramming in as many '80s hits as possible than a fully fleshed-out story. It often lacked direction, and the idea that two friends could be completely out of touch for 30 years only to reunite as if nothing had changed felt a bit far-fetched. The show could’ve benefited from a tighter narrative, and it leaned heavily on clichés. Sensitive topics like domestic violence and suicide were touched on in a way that felt vague and unnecessary—perhaps even careless. Whether that’s a case of being “too woke” or just expecting more nuance is up for debate, but it didn’t quite land.

That said, the standout performances came from the younger versions of the lead characters. Nikita Johal (Younger Gemma) showcased a stunning voice and captivating dance ability, while Maia Hawkes (Younger April) impressed with both vocal strength and stage presence. Their performances felt grounded and relatable. Nina Wadia as older Gemma brought warmth and charisma, while Sam Bailey (April) was a big draw thanks to her X-Factor fame. However, her stage time was surprisingly limited—I would’ve loved to see more from her to fully showcase her vocal talent. The famous pop star Sonia guest stared and was clearly a crowd pleaser.

The show clearly catered to an older audience, who seemed to be having an absolute blast. While some of the accents were a little distracting or difficult to follow, the musical numbers were strong, with clear vocals and energetic choreography that had the crowd smiling and tapping along.

In short: a carefree, upbeat show packed with feel-good songs, fun dancing, and loads of retro charm. Don’t expect depth, but if you're after a night of light-hearted nostalgia, this could hit the spot.

⭐️⭐️⭐️