Words by: Bhamini Khandige & Charlotte Hardie-Watts
Following our opportunity to get press tickets to the theatre show That’ll Be The Day, as the editors of the Quench Culture section, we have each provided a run-down of our experiences of the show. As well, we were fortunate enough to have been able to interview the show-runner and performer, Trevor Payne. Happy reading!
Bhamini’s Opinion
I felt incredibly honoured to have been invited to be a part of the Swansea audience at That’ll Be The Day. The show has performed for over 5 million people over the last 35 years, with several superfans having seen the show hundreds of times. The UK’s longest-running theatre rock ‘n’ roll show takes the audience on a captivating journey and allows us to reminisce on nostalgic music from the 50s to the 80s.
The ABBA segment just after the intermission personally was the highlight of the show for me. It transported me back to listening to ABBA songs on long car rides during my childhood. The performers were dynamic, and I especially enjoyed listening to the band recreate hit songs from groups such as The Ronettes, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. The musical performances were separated by comedic segments which added to the gleeful atmosphere in the audience.
Overall, the show was thoroughly enjoyable. While walking into the theatre, the atmosphere was already positive and it was clear to see the excitement and anticipation of the audience. The packed room shared a giddiness which can only be as a result of the nostalgia that That’ll Be The Day provides. As the lights dimmed, and Trevor Payne introduced the show, the electricity of the room was heightened. I loved the mixture of upbeat songs and ballads as it made the show feel incredibly balanced throughout the almost two-hour runtime.
The vibrant energy of the cast and crew carried through to the audience, as it became a group singalong and every audience member was clapping, moving, and singing along to the chart toppers. Trevor Payne’s presence on stage felt wholesome and it was obvious how invested he is in his passion project. Everyone involved in the show is very proud of the show and for good reason, the show was captivating and took the journey on an amazing journey of nostalgia!
Charlotte’s Opinion
When I was on my way to the Swansea show of That’ll Be The Day, I was curious but also somewhat puzzled. I did not know if I would enjoy the show as it was advertised as a nostalgic mix of Rock and Roll hits from the 50s to the 80s. Ultimately, I was afraid that I would not know any songs. Upon our arrival, the age demographic of the crowd was not exactly our own either. We were very lucky and got assigned middle-row seats, which gave us the best experience.
Once the show started, I was hooked from start to finish. They opened with classic rock songs from the 50s and pursued with a sequence called “American Bandstand” and performed popular songs such as Be My Baby by the Ronettes. I particularly enjoyed this sequence and did indeed feel a sense of nostalgia even though I was not around during those times.
They performed many different sequences from each decade, and the double-leading act Trevor Payne and Gary Anderson, gave us amusing comedy bits in between acts. The comedy varied from impressions to jokes and they were fitting for all ages and quite funny. The live music was one of my favourite elements of the show. Every musician was extremely talented, and the guitar solo sequence “The Shadows” was captivating.
After the break, to my greatest pleasure, ABBA started playing. They executed, in my opinion, the perfect mashup of their greatest hits and from the costumes to the singing, it was excellent. Overall, this show is not one to miss. The lights, costumes and musicians were all stellar and left you with the ultimate feel-good experience.
This show is the leading Rock ‘n’ Roll show in the world, and they have been touring for over 35 years. I could only recommend you attend this show as it was truly charming and entertaining.
Our interview with Trevor Payne
Audiences have thoroughly enjoyed the ‘captivating journey’ they are taken on in That’ll Be The Day. The show is the UK’s longest-running theatre rock and roll show even though we live in a very fast-moving society, where trends and fan favourites change regularly. In your opinion, what unique quality does That’ll Be The Day have that has allowed for its continued success over the years?
‘We are the only rock and pop variety show on the market doing what we do – and the content changes every year which keeps things fresh for us and for our audience.’
Since its first performance in 1986, your show has significantly evolved and so has its fanbase. How do you balance maintaining the nostalgic appeal of classic rock ‘n’ roll while also introducing new elements to keep the show interesting for both long-time fans and newcomers?
‘We have lots of pop music to look at, we cover 4 decades of rock and pop so we have a massive canvas to choose from – we pick an eclectic mix each year.’
Throughout your career, you have impersonated many musical icons, such as Cliff Richard and Mick Jagger. What is your approach to crafting these impressions, and what has been your most challenging character to portray in That’ll Be The Day?
‘The most challenging would definitely have to be Albert Steptoe! I try to make all my impersonations larger than life – it’s what impersonation is all about – exaggeration of their characteristics.’
The show has performed for over 5 million people over the last 35 years, with several superfans having seen the show hundreds of times. Repeat audiences have enjoyed every showing, but claim that certain shows have stuck out to them more. As a performer, has any audience stood out to you? Have there been any memorable audience moments which have stuck with you over the years?
‘Definitely the 2016 London Palladium show – that was where everything clicked into place and the audience and company had probably the best night the show had ever had at the time at probably the most famous venue in the world. We hope every night to be brilliant, but that particular one stands out for us all.’
If you could add any new decade or genre of music to the show that you haven’t
done before, what would it be and why?
‘We cover the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s and we wouldn’t want to add the 90s or 00s. The 60s still remains the most popular decade with our audience and you can’t change that – it’s nostalgia, you can’t have new nostalgia and we are unashamedly nostalgic; we bring back musical memories for our audience.’
That’ll Be The Day has very clearly achieved amazing feats and touched the hearts of so many. The nostalgia that comes from this show spans across generations of Britons. Do you have any other hopes for this show or achievements you’d like to reach? What do you hope for the future of this show?
‘We play nearly every theatre we want to in the UK and we have played the London Palladium 5 times. The audience shows no sign of dropping off, so as long as we keep the level of excellence as it is, I can’t see why That’ll Be The Day can’t go on for many years yet!’
Photo Credits: Jessie Hawkes