That’ll Be The Day The 40th Anniversary Show – London Palladium

That’ll be The Day is a three-hour bonanza of music and comedy with a reputation of longevity, showcasing the bygone era of 50’s to the 80’s rock pop and comedy skits. Now reaching their 40^th Anniversary Trevor Payne takes it on the road for his farewell tour. This rollercoaster ride of hits takes you right back to the early days of Juke Box Jury, voting on the songs of Blue Moon, by The Marcels, My Guy and Walk like a Man from the Jersey Boys. A show supported by video footage projected on to a screen showing the old film reels that supported pop music through the decades; Top of the Pops, and Sunday Night at the London Palladium variety show first aired in 1955. It was nostalgia at its best for a generation who grew up with black and white showreels of their favourite ‘pop idols’. The Beatles Help, Elvis Can’t Help Falling in Love Lulu’s Boom Bang a Bang, and many, many more. Featuring The Eagles, Madonna and Tina Turner in the later 80’s. These hits take you through the decades, a real journey, and education on the culture of music and its influence on modern music and British audiences. There are cameo video appearances form Cliff Richard and Hank Marvin supporting the charity their work. That’ll Be The Day contributes to the Make A Wish Foundation who are   benefiting from the bucket collections after each show. This is a ‘family affair’ a movement and one to be proud of with a history that goes way back.

This show will not suit everyone, knowing the old tunes, and archived history is at the core of this production. It will not resonate with young audiences as much, but the music and sounds are iconic. As new artists copy the style, the education behind the guitars and the music is a lesson worth hearing.    

The stage hosts a variety of orchestral musicians who certainly know how to play. They are slick and so comfortably talented. As they switch instruments and vocals to replicate the originals, it is a heartwarming sight to behold. Trevor Payne and Gary Anderson together with three female vocalists cruise through a marathon of popular hits, comedy sketches that bring some real laugh out loud moments. However, at times the flow was slow there were sound and pitching issues plus delays to the video playback which was disappointing and unfortunate it did feel a little lost. But the crowd is right behind this show and quite right as it certainly is ‘one of a kind’. The artists, musicians, choreography and movement creatives ensure the tribute to the greats are the best they can be and this was truly amazing.  

Facts about this show are astonishing, “32 Guitars on tour, 55 comedy scenes involving Trevor and Gary, 61 cast members since 1986 covering 2000 + songs with over 7000 shows played across the UK”.  In total 1,500,000+ miles toured and that, is commitment.  Whatever you may think about That’ll be The Day its legacy will live on for as long as audiences come to see it.

Bravo to Trevor and Gary, and the production team, artists for keeping this ‘show on the road’ and this era of Pop music alive. Giving audiences the guitar and drum solo’s that will never fade over time and will continue to influence musicians and younger generations to come. This tour is also a tribute to Pete Jackson who sadly passed in 2024 but was the voice behind the music of the That’ll be The Day.

A must see for those generations who grew up during these times, a flashback to bygone days, when the music was everything and everything was in the music.        

Director & Producer and Vocalist – Trevor Payne

Vocalist – Gary Anderson

Stage Manager & Guitar Tech – Bailey Bienek    

Production Manager & Lighting Design – Mike Stevens

Monitor Engineer – Ash Lawson

Choreography – Jodie Lawson   

This show commences at 7.30 pm –10.50 approximately 20minute interval

On Tour- dates Link https://thatllbetheday.com/tickets/      

Reviewer: Michelle Knight

Review Date 3^rd February 2026  

North West End UK Rating