An unexpectedly heartwarming jukebox plot designed to showcase the greatest hits of ‘Take That’. ★★★★☆

Having being retitled to ‘Greatest Days’, tying in with the new film release, a poignant realisation emerges: pop group nostalgia isn’t so much about ‘The Band’ itself, it’s more about us as the fans.

Which is why my disappointment at not seeing a mini Gary Barlow or a parody Robbie Williams bopping along to the hits was quickly allayed. The band are generic, nameless and really serve as a vehicle for a lyrical self-realisation of 4 friends who have lost touch with their younger selves.

But we all know everyone had come for the songs…

And those coming for a sing-along concert were left a bit confused at times. One minute we were invited to sing and clap along to ‘Never Forget’ with our arms spread wide… next minute, a middle-aged man was given a swift telling off by the usher for waving his phone torch from side to side as the auditorium was lit with disco ball effects.

I sat in the front of the circle for this evening performance – I highly recommend this viewpoint due to the show’s clever use of levels as pictured. It also offered a great vantage point for the standing ovation encore and atmospheric buzz from the The That fans .

Entertainment ★★★☆☆

A minimalistic set as shown above, often humorously rearranged by one disgruntled man in many guises (a caretaker, bus driver and Greek police official to name a few) is interesting enough to serve as multiple locations. Mamma Mia could learn a lot from this design.

Musicality ★★★★☆

‘Shine’ packs a punch in Act 1 with the use of illuminated staircases, and ‘Rule the World’ brings a genuine tear to the eye by the end. Take That‘s songbook is indisputably fabulous and woven tastefully like a Greek chorus (especially apt in the Athenian setting). This nudges the rating to 4-star overall.

Value ★★★☆☆

An orchestra was employed but does not add much value to the overall impact. Regionally, the average ticket price is between £40-£50 for a good seat. It is easy to see how this show translates well onto the stage of a P&O Cruise and would be well worth the time if included in an entertainment package.