Never Forget

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Introduction to "Never Forget"

"Never Forget" premiered in London’s West End at the Savoy Theatre on May 21, 2008, following previews from May 7, and ran for 191 performances until November 15, 2008. Featuring the music of Take That, with a book by Guy Jones and Ed Curtis, this jukebox musical was directed by Curtis and choreographed by Karen Bruce. It starred Dean Chisnall as Ash Sherwood, Craige Els as Jake Turner, and Sophia Ragavelas as Chloe. Produced by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons, it originated from a 2007 UK tour starting at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff. With hits like "Back for Good" and "Never Forget," it followed a fictional tribute band’s journey, earning a nomination for the 2008 WOS Theatregoers’ Choice Award for Best Touring Production. Despite Take That’s non-endorsement, its rain-soaked finale and spirited cast left a mark, captured on a DVD filmed at Manchester Opera House, cementing its status as a nostalgic pop spectacle.

The Creative Team Behind the Show

Guy Jones and Ed Curtis co-wrote the book, with Curtis directing and shaping the tribute band narrative around Take That’s catalog, licensed by EMI in 2006 preceding the band’s reformation. Karen Bruce’s choreography, a standout praised by critics, brought electric energy, while Dean Chisnall’s soulful Ash, Craige Els’ cheeky Jake, and Sophia Ragavelas’ tender Chloe led the cast. Eaton James as Dirty Harry, Tim Driesen as Adrian, and Stephane Anelli as Jose rounded out the band, with Marilyn Cutts as Babs and Teddy Kempner as Ron Freeman. Producers Tristan Baker and Jason Haigh-Ellery, with Bob Bailey’s set design featuring a Manchester pub and rain effects James Whiteside’s lighting, and Christopher Woods’ costumes, crafted a £2 million pop-driven romp. Mike Dixon’s musical supervision tied it all, amplifying Gary Barlow’s hits into a theatrical blast, despite the band’s public disavowal.

A Tribute Band’s Triumph and Turmoil

In Manchester, Ash Sherwood, a struggling singer, auditions for a Take That tribute band to save his mum Babs’ failing pub and fund his wedding to Chloe ("Pray"). Joined by Jake, Adrian, Dirty Harry, and Jose, they gel under manager Ron Freeman’s eye, chasing a TV contest prize. Chloe’s loyalty wavers as Ash catches ruthless agent Annie’s attention, offering solo stardom ("Take That and Party"). Rehearsals dazzle ("Could It Be Magic"), but Annie lures Ash away, fracturing the band and his engagement ("Back for Good"). Alone in the rain, Ash reflects, while the four remaining lads tap on without him ("I Found Heaven"). At Chloe and Ash’s stalled wedding, a children’s choir sings "Never Forget," reuniting them and the band for a triumphant close a tale of friendship, betrayal, and love, set to Take That’s ‘90s anthems, ending in a soggy, joyous finale.

Performance and Reception

Opening after two UK tours Cardiff 2007 and Bromley 2008 "Never Forget" ran 191 West End shows, drawing over 100,000 attendees, buoyed by a filmed Manchester Opera House DVD. The Guardian’s Lyn Gardner hailed it “irresistible” for Bruce’s choreography and rain effects, though its “damp” script drew flak Manchester Evening News panned its “bland” tale. Chisnall’s “beautiful” harmonies and Els’ wit won praise, per The Stage, yet Variety’s David Benedict found it “mediocre” beside "Mamma Mia!" A 2008 WOS nomination for Best Touring Production nodded to its road success, with a cast album and finale’s curtain-call energy lifting spirits. Critics split WhatsOnStage gave four stars, The Times two while audiences adored the nostalgia, though its six-month run couldn’t match jukebox giants, closing amid a season favoring flashier fare, its heart outshining its flaws.

Legacy in West End Theatre

"Never Forget"’s 191 performances pale beside "Les Mis"’ 14,000+, yet its 2008 WOS nod and 2009 UK tour starring Mark Willshire signal a cult spark. Born from a 2007 Cardiff debut seen by 100,000, it predated Take That’s "The Band" (2017), though Gary Barlow later dismissed it to the BBC, praising reviews post-reform. Its DVD and cast recording endure, with "Relight My Fire" a fan favorite, while amateur stagings via Music Theatre International thrive. Bruce’s choreography and rain-soaked staging influenced jukebox trends, though its £2 million loss marks it a commercial stumble. No Oliviers or Tonys, but its 400,000+ global viewers tours included keep it alive. A West End footnote, it’s less a titan than a spirited ‘90s echo Take That’s hits repurposed into a scrappy, wet triumph of tribute over biography.