Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another review here at StageSideUK. This time around we are talking about That’ll Be The Day which played at the Darlington Hippodrome. Settle in, the review is about to begin.
Disclaimers: We were gifted a pair of tickets in exchange for an honest review of the show.
T C Productions, with Prestige Productions, bring a rip roaring tribute to the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s comedy and music. If you’re searching for a night packed with nostalgia, toe-tapping anthems and a generous helping of British humour, That’ll Be The Day delivers in spades. This long-running touring sensation continues to prove why it has built such a loyal following across the UK.
Celebrating its 40th year touring, this tribute shows that older shows aren’t tired or boring. With ample visuals, audio tracks, special effects, costumes and more, this show is a sensory treat!
Trevor has been touring the show for 40 years, and on this farewell tour you can see Trevor still up there enjoying every moment. I spoke to Trevor as part of the StageSide Stories series, and gained some great insight into the world of touring. (You can read the interview here).
From the very first number, the energy in the auditorium was electric. The live band are tight, moving through the decades with style and authenticity. Whether it’s rock ‘n’ roll classics, pop favourites or heartfelt ballads, the musical moments are vibrant and performed with genuine passion. The vocals are impressive, really capturing the spirit of the original artists while still bringing something fresh to the stage.
Nikki Renee Hechavarria is a stand out star in this show. The vocals are spectacular, the acting is great and the interactions with the audience are on point! I was blown away by Hechavarria’s solos and really loved each moment!
But That’ll Be The Day isn’t just a concert, it’s a full-blown entertainment experience. Between the musical numbers are comedy sketches that had the audience laughing out loud. The humour is playful, sometimes cheeky, and always well-timed. It breaks up the show beautifully and gives the performers a chance to showcase their talents beyond the music.
From playful banter to moments that invite the audience to sing along, the connection between stage and stalls feels genuine. It creates an atmosphere that’s warm, welcoming and sets the evening up for success.
Production-wise, the show keeps things straightforward but effective. The focus is firmly on the performers and the music, which is exactly where it should be. Lighting and sound complement the action, ensuring every joke lands and every guitar riff soars.
That’ll Be The Day is the ultimate celebration of classic music, of memories, and of the joy that live theatre can bring. It’s the kind of show that leaves you smiling long after the curtain call and humming the hits all the way home.
Accessibility
This show contains audience participation, but this was never too much for me. The show also contains loud music and some really vibrant lighting effects including changing colours and lights shining into the audience.
Value For Money
This show has something for everyone. Wether you want a dance, a sing a long, a trip down memory lane or a bit of comedy, there really is something for everyone. I think at £30 each this show is a steal!
Have Your Say
Have you seen That’ll Be The Day on its 40th anniversary tour? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
As always, please be respectful of each other’s opinions and be kind to each other. Bullying will not be tolerated and harmful language will be removed.
Head over to the Terms and conditions page to learn more about our policies, here at StageSideUK.
Follow us on Twitter and give our page a like on Facebook.
Featured images have been referenced and are used in line with fair usage, in the copyright act.