Greatest Days uncovered: A chat with the cast and director of the Take That musical

With a backdrop of Take That songs that drive the story along, this jukebox musical directed by Coky Giedroyc and adapted from the stage production by Tim Frith is a feel-good celebration of the journey of friendship with added layers of devotion, trauma and grief that fashion a hugely relatable tale.

Two parallel storylines unfold on-screen as Greatest Days begins with the girls’ friendship as teenagers when they attend a concert for The Boys (a fictitious band based on Take That); they then reunite further down the line as adults when one of them wins tickets to a reunion gig in Athens for a band that will bond them for eternity. As these two narratives weave through each other, there are also treasured moments when the younger and older actors join together on screen. 

The Upcoming had the pleasure of speaking to the cast and the director about the film, their roles bringing it to screen, and the joy they hope it will deliver. 

Aisling Bea and Lara McDonnell talked about what it was like taking on their joint role as the lead, Rachel, and how they built the character together. McDonnell also told us about her love of musical theatre, especially after starring in the Matilda musical, as Aisling discussed the side-step from her better known comedy roles to come on board with this ode to nostalgia and friendship.

We spoke to Alice Lowe and Eliza Dobson about choosing this project. Lowe described feeling close to the fandom that runs through the film because of her own teenage experience, and Dobson talked about working with the other younger members of the cast and what it was like to perform the energetic musical dance numbers.

Amaka Okator and Nandi Hudson chatted to us about their character, Zoe, her studious nature, and how they both felt that the other girls brought out the fun side of her, which created a nice balance to her personality. They also spoke about the brilliant themes that run through the movie and what they hope viewers will take away from watching it. 

We heard from Jayde Adams and Carragon Guest about their joint portrayal as Claire, and the changes Adams was happy to explore in the experience of women heading into adulthood. The two told us how they built their shared character and reflected on the idea of teenage obsession with bands and movies, and what a bonding jounrney that can be for friendship. They also spoke about what they want viewers to get from watching Greatest Days.

Film director Coky Giedroyc discussed adapting this story for screen and the changes she felt would work, as well as the incredible pool of talent she met in the casting process. She also talked about the choreography for the feature and having the support of the band, Take That. Jessie Mae Alonzo gave some insight about her part as Debbie, and how she prepared for it, and she shared what it was like working with the other younger cast, too.

Ezelle Alblas

Greatest Days is released nationwide on 16^th June 2023.

Watch the trailer for Greatest Days here: