Written by Liz Tait
Liz Tait Productions

Time passes. The girls we were become the women we are, sisters and friends, and sometimes not such good friends. All those unreliable hopes and memories.

But can we ever really recapture those days, and is it wise to pile so much expectation onto a reunion?

Well, there’s a lot riding on a fun dance class designed to recapture those happy 90s times, when girl power ruled.

We’re in a shabby dance studio and a soft opening works well as Marion bustles about, building a sense of chirpy anticipation that something fun’s about to kick off. Kate Peltzer-Dunn’s kindly benevolence just wanting everything to be as it was is a charming, quirky and childlike presence.

One by one, the rest of the foursome arrive, a little hesitant, maybe reluctant, resolute – each motivation subtly revealed.

Each has gone through her own trials, dealing with whatever life chucked their way through relationships, bereavement, motherhood and menopause. Their stories spin out through conversations, revelations and humour, as we focus on each player in turn.

As hyped up dance teacher Pippa, dedicated to keeping things just so, Helen Rogers delivers a tightly wound self discipline teetering on the edge of unravelling, as what lies beneath starts to tell…

Sally Best’s Sarah is wrong footed and wrestling with her own life and that ‘what’s happening to me??’ deep dive.

Sophie Dearlove’s cool and confident Kim gradually reveals the truth beneath the nonchalant exterior.

Tait’s detailed, compassionately observed writing shines in this warm, wise four-hander, performed with energy and verve.

The title speaks of women navigating the complexities of friendships, sisterhood, motherhood, daughterhood and relationships, asking who are we – now?

The crystal clear dialogue, larger than life characters and physical exuberance are well suited to the generous space here in Shoreham.

While perhaps the blend of interscene blackouts and musical stings could be further refined as the run continues, this is a tight and snappily directed slice of fun with so much going on under the makeup and the lycra, and some joyful dance numbers whisking it all along.

Loved the clever build of costume throughout the show until the finale we want – and the Spice Girls are in the room. In the end, whatever life throws on the way, sometimes you can just let it all go, and dance.

The run begins with performances at Shoreham Community Centre then transfers to The Actors Brighton 26/27 September, then 4th October at the Victoria Institute, Arundel.