by Sarah Becker
Nostalgia is a powerful force, and That’ll Be The Day—now celebrating its 40th anniversary—proves just how enduring that pull can be. Since its beginnings in 1986, the show has toured extensively, racking up over 3,000 performances, and judging by the packed Derngate auditorium last night, and relentless touring schedule, its appeal shows no sign of fading.
From the outset, Trevor Payne and Prestige’s production feels like a love letter to the golden decades of popular music. Featuring hits from the 1950s through to the 1980s, the show brings to life classics from artists such as The Beatles, Dusty Springfield, Buddy Holly, The Rolling Stones, Lulu, The Four Seasons, Cliff Richard and many more.
For some audience members, it is more than just a show—it is trip down memory lane. My 84-year-old companion kept whispering in my ear memories of records he had once bought, each song unlocking a new memory.
Though I may have been a decade or two too young to fully share that sense of lived nostalgia—my own musical memory beginning in the 1980s—the familiarity of the classic songs kept me curiously wondering what was coming next.
The strength of the production lies in its universality; these are songs that have transcended generations.
Led by the wondrously energetic Trevor Payne—whose energy and stage presence I could only marvel at, especially as he celebrated his 80th birthday in March—the cast delivers a slick and engaging performance.
Payne commands the stage with ease, guiding both band and audience through the evening with a natural charisma. Vocalists Jodie Gray and Nikki Hechavarria bring power and polish to the setlist, effortlessly moving between styles and eras. All the musicians and singers were strong, vocals hit all the right notes and some musicians have been in the show for decades.
The first half is particularly compelling, driven by a sense of anticipation. As each number begins, there is a genuine thrill in guessing which beloved classic will come next. Highlights include a rousing sequence of Beatles hits and a spirited rendition of “Walk Like a Man,” alongside an impressive drum showcase just before the interval.
The show also leans into light comedy – think Royal Variety Performance – with performers donning costumes and mannerisms of the original artists. While this humour delighted much of the audience—my companion included—it occasionally felt less effective for those seeking a purely musical experience. Nevertheless, it contributes to the warm, communal atmosphere that defines the evening.
If the first half builds momentum through variety and surprise, the second maintains a steadier pace. While still thoroughly enjoyable, it lacks the sense of escalation one might hope for, never quite reaching the soaring crescendo that the format seems to promise. I was expecting the ‘Big Gun’ songs to emerge but the set remained at a steady pace.
Yet beyond the music, That’ll Be The Day serves as a reminder of the unique power of live theatre. In an increasingly digital and often isolating world, there is something profoundly meaningful about sharing a collective experience—singing, laughing and reminiscing together. The production taps into that shared joy, creating an atmosphere that is as important as the performances themselves. Each show’s format and set list changes, which keeps the audience coming back, many time and time again.
As we left, my companion had already decided he would return for the next show—a testament to the show’s enduring charm. For anyone with a love of classic hits spanning the 50s to the 80s, That’ll Be The Day remains an entertaining and heartfelt celebration of music’s ability to connect us across time and to marvel at the enduring power of well-made classic songs.
For details on the show’s Spring tour visit: https://thatllbetheday.com/