That’ll Be The Day Christmas Tour 2024 at Kings Theatre Portsmouth Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Jan Dixon
Last night I had the pleasure of reviewing the above show at the Kings Theatre, Portsmouth. That’ll Be The Day is a touring rock‘n’roll variety show playing theatres and concert halls throughout the UK. The show was first performed in 1986 and claims to be the longest running rock’n’roll show in the UK. The show is performed throughout the year and embraces new material to delight the audience, who come back time and time again. It is written, directed and produced by Trevor Payne, who also performs in the show.
The show I reviewed was a Christmas special of That’ll Be The Day and was certainly a show which encouraged you to embrace everything Christmas! The scenery, costumes, choice of songs and comedy sketches would make even the most cynical member of the audience enjoy the festive spirit. It was a rollercoaster ride through the Christmas music and comedy sketches from the 1950’s to the 1980’s.
The theme was of course Christmas and the very enthusiastic audience was encouraged at every turn to interact with the talented ensemble to join in with the songs, which they did with gusto! Many many Christmas classics were performed by the excellent cast, which consisted of Trevor Payne (Director/Producer/Vocals); Gary Anderson (Vocals); Peter John Jackson (Vocals/Instrumentalist); Nikki Renee Hechavarria (Vocals); Lotty Anderson (Vocals); Ollie Gray (Guitar/Drums/Vocals); Mark Street (Drums/Vocals); Eduardo Neto (Percussion); Jarrod Loughlin (Bass/Guitar/Keys/Vocals); Sean McAusland (Keyboards/Guitar/Vocals) and Jodie Lawson (Vocals).
There were breath taking vocals and superb musicianship. Everyone clearly enjoyed performing and all were given the opportunity to show off their particular skills to a very emotional and appreciative audience.
There were far too many songs to list, but there were categories including a Christmas Juke Box Jury, Pick of the Christmas Pop, Andy Williams show tunes, songs by Phil Spector and a 1980’s Top of the Pops. To add to the immersive experience there was a projected backdrop of these shows and the audience was heard expressing delight at seeing and hearing these old favourites. The cast did extremely well in performing in these categories and were cheered and clapped enthusiastically! The show appealed to a certain demographic and was a sell out, as ever, which is the measure of their appeal and success.
The comedic sketches, mostly performed by Trevor Payne and Gary Anderson were really funny and it was so good to hear a theatre full of people laughing. Stand out sketches were of Steptoe and Son and a rendition of ‘Shaddap You Face’ by Joe Dolce. There were a number of asides and innuendos directed at the audience who appreciated some ribald humour.
I would thoroughly recommend this show for their future performances at the Kings Theatre Southsea and absolutely guarantee a brilliant evening of entertainment. Prices started from £28.00. Kings Theatre, 24 Albert Road, Southsea PO5 2QJ. Box Office 023 9282 8282. www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk
This was a show on at the Kings Theatre Portsmouth for just one night, but there is an opportunity to see the next show at the Kings Theatre Portsmouth by That’ll Be The Day on Saturday 1st February 2025!
This is very much worth a 5 star rating!
Rating: 5/5