Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another review here at StageSideUK. This time around we are talking about the best tribute show I have seen in 2025… Rave On by the Bluejays took over the stage at the Darlington Hippodrome and really gave it their all!
Disclaimer: We were gifted two tickets in exchange for an honest review of the show.
This show rocked and rolled all night long and took the audience in Darlington this past weekend. The cast of amazingly talented musicians really blew me away with their knowledge of the music, as well as the awesome talent!
The cast formed of 6 musicians, really did give the show their all for the whole 2 hours they were on stage!
Starting in the 50’s we took a trip through some of the biggest hits with the likes of Elvis, Johnny Cash and The Everly Brothers. The cast sing through these hits, taking a moment to explain some of the context in how music evolved throughout the decades. They do a great job at getting people singing along, clapping and even dancing in the aisles, without feeling like we are being told what to do all the time.
The band have bundles of energy too, from the bass player playing upside down, to the keys being played standing on a stool. The vocals are powerful, and oh so dynamic! The show really did start off with a bang, and it just didn’t slow down!
Then when we get to the second half, and the cast take us through some of the biggest songs of the 60’s, including hits from Little Eva, Dusty Springfield and Lulu. The show then absolutely barrels through these hits, again withs ome great moments to reflect on the most important moments that helped to shape music as we know it.
By the time we hit the final numbers, the audience were completely on their feet, and rightly so. There’s a real magic in watching a show that doesn’t just celebrate the music of an era, but captures its spirit with such enthusiasm and flair. You could see the joy radiating from the stage and bouncing straight back from the crowd. It felt less like a one sided performance and more like being part of a giant party where everyone knows the words.
What sets Rave On apart from other tribute-style concerts is the attention to detail. The band aren’t just going through the motions, they understand the craft, the context, and the heart behind these legendary tracks. It’s clear that this is a labour of love for the Bluejays, and that makes all the difference.
During the interval, our neighbour told us about his experience with music from the 60’s and 70’s and how this show brought him back to those times. For me, this is the kind of show that proves why live theatre, or more so live music, is so important. It’s about connection, nostalgia, and creating moments that stick with you long after the final bow. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of 50s and 60s rock ’n’ roll or someone just looking for a good night out, Rave On hits the sweet spot.
If you see this tour rolling into a theatre near you, do yourself a favour and grab a ticket. I walked out of the Hippodrome with a huge grin, sore hands from clapping, and the songs still rattling around my head, and I would happily come back again!
Accessibility:
The show does contain music but it isn’t ever too loud or too sudden. The show also contains some stage lighting but again this isnt strobing or directly in the audiences eyes. It is more ambience. The show is quite relaxed and I really appreciated this.
Value For Money
The show tickets are around £30 each, and I think this is fully justified for the quality of the show. The production is amazing, the music is really well played and the context and history were really insightful.
Have your say!
Have you seen Rave On by the Bluejays? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
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Alyx Taylor-Scott