We were kindly invited to attend press night at The Kings Theatre, Portsmouth, for CCSADS’ amateur production of The Band. As big supporters of local theatre, it’s always a pleasure to see community groups bringing stories to life on stage — especially in such a beloved venue.
I’ll admit — I’ve never been a huge Take That fan, but I went in fully expecting to tap my feet and maybe even sing along to a few familiar hits. What I got, though, was quite different: a heartfelt and emotional story, where the music took a backseat and the real focus was on friendship, memory, and the passage of time.
Set to the backdrop of Take That’s music, the story follows five teenage girls in the 1990s, united by their love for their favourite boyband. Fast-forward 25 years, and their lives have taken them down very different paths. A reunion, sparked by one character’s competition win, becomes a chance to reconnect — not just with each other, but with who they used to be.
The adult cast brought real heart to the story. Kerry McCrohon led the group as Rachel, whose competition win to see the band sets the story in motion. Her performance was grounded and heartfelt, anchoring the emotional tone of the show. Kat Millmore-Davies as Heather brought great comic timing and warmth, while Caroline Westmorland gave Zoe a quiet, reflective depth. Kim Seagrove, as Claire, delivered some of the show’s most touching moments.
Technically, the production was very well handled. The staging was simple but clever, using well-timed lighting and minimal set changes to shift between decades and locations without slowing the pace. It was thoughtful and effective — a testament to how much care and planning went into bringing this story to life.
The music of Take That provided a nostalgic soundtrack, but fans expecting a tribute-style concert might be surprised. The songs are there, but they support the story rather than take centre stage. Personally, I found myself wanting a bit more of that concert energy but the story was was well preformed and engaging.
That said, I could absolutely see how it resonated with others. The audience was clearly moved, laughing and tearing up in equal measure. The Band isn’t really about Take That — it’s about memory, friendship, and the people who shape us. And in that, CCSADS delivered a sincere, heartfelt production that many connected with.
It might not have been quite my thing, but there’s no denying the love and effort that went into every part of this show. For those who grew up with boybands and best friends, The Band offered a relatable, nostalgic journey — and the team at CCSADS should be proud.
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