That'll Be The Day
Bristol Hippodrome
Reviewed by Sarah Hicks
Well what a fabulous night we just spent at the Bristol Hippodrome watching the Rock and Roll show – That'll Be The Day. I took my Mum with me for a night celebrating the best of 50's, 60's & 70's music in the wonderful surroundings of the Bristol Hippodrome. Having not been around 1st time round for the era of music on the play list, I was a bit concerned about looking out of place with the rest of the audience – I really needn't have worried. There was a mix of people in attendance, couples, extended families and larger groups – whilst the majority of show-goers were reliving the music from their past, there were others there like me who missed out 1st time round.
When we got to our seats – (in the stalls 20 or so rows back) the stage was all set up with the instruments for the band, the show kicked off at 7.30pm and opened "at the beginning" i.e – the 50's with a bit of Elvis – including gyrating hips!
We moved through the 60's with music from artists including Cliff Richard, The Beatles, Helen Shapiro, The Everly Brothers and Tom Jones (I'm a big fan of Tom so really enjoying singing along to the Green Green Grass of Home!)
At the back of the stage was a big screen, which was great at setting the scene for the decades – we watched news real on Radio Caroline's involvement with the music scene and its demise – the screaming from the Beatles clips were overwhelming – a reminder of just how huge their music was and is.
The 2nd half kicked off with a showcase of the drummers skills – Mark and Ollie put on a fabulous and very energetic performance of Wipeout! – These guys, and all of the musicians whilst I'm at it, are hugely talented people – really at the top of their profession, it was great to see them get the opportunity to really go for it, and they greatly deserved the standing ovation the audience gave. Some more classics from the 70's followed, – a great ABBA section, Shakin Stevens, Rod Stewart, Suzi Quatro and the legendary Mick Jagger – who really comes to life shall we say! (I don't want to spoil it)
I've dropped a few names just to let you know what you can expect, but the music does just keep coming and it's held together seamlessly by Trevor and Gary who make an hilarious double act – interspersing the foot tapping, handclapping, arm swaying and singing (from the audience by the way!) with comedy sketches which really do enrich the show.
The voices, musical talents and dancing skills of the company are complemented by outfits from the decades – shiny suits, pencil ties, flower power psychedelia and particularly loved the winklepickers boys!
This show has been on the road for 28 years and that in its self is a huge testament to the effort and production skills of the company, most of the people in the audience appeared to have seen the show before but are still coming back for more.
We thoroughly enjoyed the evening and would definitely go again. Well done on and excellent production, it was lovely to see the show in the Hippodrome, a venue that spans many more decades than the show.
Definitely a 5/5, for the hugely entertaining night that will appeal to anyone who enjoys music.
Rating: 5/5 
That'll Be The Day is currently on tour. For tour dates or to book tickets click here.
