Never Forget Tickets

One of the most popular new musicals to hit the stage in West End in the last few years, 'Never Forget' is a musical based upon the songs of phenomenal boy-band Take That. Written by Daniel Brockelhurst, directed by Ed Curtis and with Karen Bruce as choreographer, the musical has truly taken the London theatre scene by surprise - no one was expecting a story about a boy band singing Take That songs to sell the number of tickets it did, nor to get the glowing reviews that it received. With up and coming stars Dean Chisnall, Craig Els, Tim Dreisen, Eaton James and Stephane Anelli in the lead roles, the musical, which toured the United Kingdom before opening at the Savoy Theatre in May of 2008, has been particularly popular with female audience members.

The musical opens with the proposal of lead character Ash Sherwood to his long-time girlfriend Chloe. At the engagement party that follows, Ash learns that his mother's pub has massive debts and is near closure if a large sum cannot be raised quickly. Deciding that he should do something to help, Ash and his friend Jack Turner (Chloe's brother) audition for parts in a new boy band being set up by shady manager Ron Freeman, who is looking for the 'Next Big Thing'. Both Ash and Jack get the parts and join fellow new band members Jose Reize, Dirty Harry and Adrian Banks at rehearsals. An argument between the boys and the new choreographer and back-up dancers ensues when Jack decides to ask the choreographer out on a date. A 'dance-off' results, with the boys trying to prove their merit against the professionals. Manager Ron interrupts their dance-fight to inform the boys that they will be performing at a pub the following night, and that they should sign their contract in order to firm up the deal.

The performance is a mixed-success, with Ash standing up to the pressure of being in front of a large crowd whilst the other band members lose their courage to sing live. Record company executive Annie Borrowman sees Ash's performance and offers him a solo deal, but refuses to take on the rest of the band. An argument between Ash and his fiancée Chloe follows, as she suspects that Annie is interested in more than just signing Ash to a record deal. She demands that he choose between his solo career and his loyalty to his friends and family, only to be turned down in favour of fame and fortune. Chloe calls off the engagement and Ash's band members refuse to talk to the deserter.

In a bid to continue on with their band, the remaining four members ask Chloe to take Ash's empty position and she agrees. The rehearsals go well, but when Ash hears of his replacement he finds himself incredibly jealous. He decides to apologise to his ex-band mates and eventually the five boys become friends again. Ash is taken out by his new boss Annie to discuss his 'deal' but finds that Annie is actually intending to seduce him. The next morning Chloe decides to clear the air with Ash by meeting him at his apartment but is shocked to find a half-dressed Annie there instead. Ash is elsewhere, warming up for his performance in a Battle of the Bands competition which his old band will also be participating in, when it is revealed that the money he would have been making from his solo deal has instead gone to Ron to buy him out of his previous group contract. Although his mother comforts him and tells him that there was nothing he could do, Ash feels guilty that his own pride has gotten in the way of the bigger picture. Distraught that he has acted like such a fool, Ash turns to his ex-band members for support, and they decide to give him back his position in the band and compete as a group as they had originally intended. Chloe helps them out by singing the female part to 'Relight My Fire', and the band wins. Ash begs Chloe for forgiveness, and the story ends with Ash and Chloe marrying to the strains of 'Never Forget'.

Including Take That's hit songs 'Pray', 'Never Forget', 'Back For Good', 'Relight My Fire', and 'Love Don't Live Here Anymore', the story has been labelled as a juke-box musical, one that the whole audience can sing along to.