Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review
That'll Be the Day has been touring for an impressive 40 years, with director and star Trevor Payne firmly at the helm. What makes the longevity of this show even more remarkable is its charitable impact, having raised over 51 million for charity, with Make-A-Wish a primary beneficiary.
Opening a new tour at the London Palladium felt entirely fitting. The iconic venue provided the perfect backdrop for a night steeped in nostalgia, reminiscence and light-hearted fun, delivered through a blend of music, visuals and theatre. The show begins with a video sequence that rewinds through the decades, eventually landing in the 1950s, setting the tone for a musical journey through time.
Across the evening, the audience is treated to a wide range of powerhouse ballads and emotive tunes, progressing through to the 1980s. While much of the music was not from my own era, there were still plenty of recognisable numbers, and for those who lived through these decades the show offered a genuine trip down memory lane.
The tight, well-rehearsed band - made up of accomplished multi-instrumentalists - created a busy, sometimes chaotic, but always engaging stage. Tiered with instruments, the stage allowed for seamless transitions between songs. Lighting design enhanced the atmosphere throughout, sensitively reflecting the mood of each piece and featuring striking oversized lamps that highlighted the musicians as much as the singers.
Fronting the band was a strong array of vocalists who convincingly adopted the personas of the artists they portrayed. Costume and wig changes marked each decade and iconic performer, effectively showcasing the evolution of fashion and hairstyles - something many audience members clearly found nostalgic. Projected video backdrops further helped to establish each era. The performers truly shone when the staging was stripped back, particularly during moments of a cappella-style harmony, which thrilled the audience.
The only aspect that felt less successful were the short dramatic interludes. While intended to add humour, they felt unnecessary and caused the show to lose momentum. With an already packed running order, removing these moments would allow the production to flow more smoothly and maintain its energetic pace.
A standout and unexpected moment for many was the video message from Cliff Richard and Hank Marvin, which was warmly received. Overall, That'll Be the Day is an entertaining and affectionate tribute to four decades of pop music, celebrating artists such as Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Cliff Richard. It offers audiences the chance to witness the evolution of popular music and revisit the songs of some of its greatest icons. There is little doubt that this enduring show will continue to tour for years to come.
That'll Be The Day's 40th Anniversary Tour (and Trevor's farewell tour) is playing in venues up and down the UK until 12th June 2026. For tickets and venues visit https://thatllbetheday.com/spring-tour-2026/
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