Did the critics have a little patience for The Band?

Gary Barlow and Tim Firth's new musical opens

Last night saw the opening night for the newest musical from Take That's Gary Barlow and his writing partner Tim Firth. After limbering up on previous shows Calendar Girls and Finding Neverland, did this new show, featuring the hits from Gary, Mark, Howard, Jason (and Robbie) live up to the hype?

Sort of! It looks as if The Band's tale of five female friends enamored with the country's top boy band resonated with some audiences, with Time Out highlighting the girls rather than the boys, saying "(it's)a show that's really about music fandom, growing up, and most of all female friendship." A view mirrored by What'sOnStage who said: "But really, it's the ladies who take centre-stage with their own singing and dancing." Considering the target audience of the show, that's great news!

Elsewhere, people are picky about plot (or lack thereof), but universally there was praise for the music, with performances drawn from real Take That ones, "(that) cleverly reference the group, from routines featuring the group's cover art, to recreations of iconic costumes." - What'sOnStage again, and "even as a casual Take That fan I was able to enjoy the hit parade that unfolded in front of me" from Theatre Weekly. So, even if The Band hasn't let it shine as much as was expected, it looks like, if you're a fan, it might just relight your fire!

The Band is at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until January 12th.