This is no ordinary come back tour. 

This is Steps at their best. 

The Brighton Centre transformed into a time machine. Inside, a heaving crowd (proudly exhibiting a range of fancy dress and exuding a faint whiff of fake tan) was ready to party exactly how the late, great Prince had intended it - like it was 1999. 

And that is what they did from the moment the Vengaboys burst onto stage. 

No-one needed telling twice to sing and bounce along to their unforgettable eurodance hits – particularly the large male contingent. 

This continued as pop classics blasted out from the auditorium’s speakers in between acts, before a roaring, floor-shaking cheer welcomed Faye, Claire, H, Lisa and Lee.
It was like they had never been away. In fact, they had improved with time. 

Claire’s unmistakeable vocals were as punchy as ever, but each member was far more prevalent than before. And a key change was never far away. 

They seemed to have as much fun as the fans, who lapped up each revival of their greatest songs in the near two-hour set. Even their new material and a slightly surreal rendition of Despacito was well received. 

This is the perfect band double act – two huge gay icons who are still both loved for their themed dance routines, catchy lyrics, memorable costumes and sense of fun. They represented everything the world of music is missing today, which is probably why this performance was so popular. 

Flora Thompson