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Trevor Payne - That'll Be The Day Interview

The smash-hit classic show That’ll Be The Day is returning to dazzle audiences across the UK this Autumn, completing its astounding 39th year on the road. With dynamic duo Trevor Payne and Gary Anderson returning to this thrilling rock 'n' roll show that plays to sold-out audiences. 

From Elvis to the Stones, the Beatles to Tina Turner, That’ll Be The Day presents an electric lineup of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll and pop classics from the ‘50s through to the ‘80s. Packed full of over 60 nostalgic hits and mind-blowing musical accompaniment from the multi-talented band, the show promises all the hits you know and love, plus some timeless treasures you may have forgotten. In addition to the music, That’ll Be The Day delves into the cultural soul of the past, journeying audiences through the time’s most iconic comedy sketches, adverts, and more, for an evening just short of time travel itself!

Photo by Jessie Hawkes

That’ll Be The Day’s Autumn edition will tour for three months, with a stellar lineup of multi-talented performers bringing rock ‘n’ roll cheer to over sixty cities nationwide. The beloved production is proud to have raised over £1 million for Childline, Make A Wish, Help for Heroes, Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, and numerous appeals, including the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal, through post-show bucket collections, and will continue their charitable endeavours in 2024.

We caught up with director, producer and vocalist Trevor Payne to learn more about the show.

What can you tell me about the show?
That’ll Be The Day is a nostalgic look at the changing nature of pop music from the 50’s through to the 80’s

It’s unique in its structure combining great musicianship, and vocal harmonies with some impersonations interspersed with comedy. It’s ever-evolving with a complete year on year makeover.

Where did you first get the inspiration for That'll Be The Day?
The beginnings of That’ll Be The Day can be traced back to the resident band days and my knowledge of playing these songs first time around. Moving into cabaret and keeping our audiences entertained from start to finish.

The show continues to draw audiences over 35 years on since its inception, how do you keep the show fresh for audiences?
The show is kept fresh by reinventing itself annually. Each year trying to improve the production and occasionally changing a cast member. We set a high bar and work extremely hard to maintain the level. Attention to detail is paramount.

Trevor Payne in That'll Be The Day. Photo by Jessie Hawkes.

How did you go about selecting the songs that would feature in the show and do you have any personal favourite numbers to sing?
The songs and medleys are chosen very carefully allowing the show to flow musically and seamlessly through the decades. I use my experience of performing most of the songs at one time or another.
Personally I’m a Beatles/B Boys/ B Buddy Holly fan but have a general love of pop music.

I particularly like singing Kinks songs

How do you prepare for a tour?
Many days of rehearsal, firstly for music then vocals. Next stage is production rehearsal/ costume selection. Then some theatre rehearsal for lighting and sound design. On a daily basis, snips and minor alterations.

How do you unwind after a show?
After the show we’re either driving home or to an hotel which winds you down, the crew going on to the next venue ready for the next days load in.

Where did your performing career begin and how did you pursue this career?
I started singing in a band in the early 60’s and played guitar back then. Mostly resident positions so learning all the latest releases week on week. Moved into cabaret when disco came in, worked on the act constantly and was able to travel abroad extensively with my act ‘Fizzical’.

Then joined a Rock & Roll show which I eventually took over and became That’ll Be The Day. There was no plan, it just happened and I was born lucky.

How do you reflect on your career up to now?
When I look back I’ve been able to work and stay in this business for over 60 years without a hit record. That’s no mean feat and I wouldn’t swap my career . I won’t pretend it was all good and a lot of my contemporaries gave up along the way but I persevered and have kept the longest running , most successful touring Rock & Pop show alive. From tough Working Men’s Clubs to multiple appearances at the world famous London Palladium. Amazing!

What keeps you inspired?
There’s a responsibility that comes with the reputation That’ll Be The Day has. Fear of failure is a great motivation. I never want to hear "it wasn’t as good as it used to be".

What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing That'll Be The Day?
I want all who come to see That’ll Be The Day to go home on a high, feeling better than when they came in. We give value for money and have a team on and off stage delivering pound for pound the highest quality, leaving our fans wanting to see the next episode.

As several critics and fans have said
"There’s Nothing Like It"

That’ll Be The Day will visit Dunstable, Dartford, Llandudno, Shrewsbury, Leamington Spa, Skegness, Southsea, Basildon, Hoddesdon, Lowestoft, Bromley, Yeovil, Swansea, Aldershot, Stevenage, Reading, Tewkesbury, Stafford, Buxton, New Brighton, Crewe, Newtown, Redditch, Kilgetty, Clacton-on-Sea, and Fareham. For dates and tickets visit https://www.thatllbetheday.com/

Photo by Jessie Hawkes.

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