Manchester ArenaTwo-hour set of joyously choreographed hits showcases a band who look to be having almost as much fun as their audience
“10-9-8-7-6 …” yell the audience as Steps’ teasing five-minute countdown nears its climax. Videos of the band in Star Wars-type costumes are projected on to a giant box which lifts to reveal Steps themselves, in purple capes and thigh boots. Opening new song What the Future Holds and superb oldie One for Sorrow set the tone for a two-hour stream of giddy-tempo, sugar-coated, Abba-sounding bangers.
Approaching their 25th anniversary and having been kept from touring by Covid, the five-piece are back with an extravaganza: choreographed dancing, trademark hand movements, a marching band and wonderfully preposterous outfits. Heartbreak in This City is illustrated – obviously – by a giant heart. The stage revolves for Take Me for a Ride. Something in Your Eyes brings – but of course – dancers wearing crash helmets with tassels.
At AO Arena, Manchester, 12 November. Then touring.