Calling all StageSiders, welcome to another installment of StageSide Stories here at StageSideUK. In this installment of StageSide Stories, we speak with producer, director and performer of That’ll Be The Day, Trevor Payne. We talk about how the show has grown, what audiences have come to expect from the show, and head about fundraising in theatre.
So keep on reading if you are interested in music, show creation and behind the scenes conversations.
To begin, could you introduce yourself, your role in the show, and tell us a little about That’ll Be The Day?
My name is Trevor Payne, and I am the producer, writer, director and performer of the longest running rock ‘n’ roll touring theatre production, That’ll Be The Day.
When you first created the show, did you ever imagine it would still be touring four decades later?
No, it was booked for a 3 week tour of 18 shows, 6 shows a week. That was going to be it.
The show brings together music, storytelling and humour, what was the original vision behind that mix and has it changed over the years?
To describe That’ll Be The Day, would be a variety show based on a chronological look at pop history from the 50s through to and including the 80s. The formula has stayed the same today.
That’ll Be The Day has featured music from so many iconic artists. How do you decide which songs and eras to include?
There are some “must do’s” such as Elvis, Beatles, Cliff and a few more. And then it’s songs that suit the current cast that are completely different to the previous performances.
What do you think it is about this show that keeps audiences coming back, while also welcoming new generations of fans?
It’s purely entertainment that appeals to all ages, wrapped up in one package.
Touring for 40 years is no small feat. How has the show evolved to stay fresh while keeping its original roots strong?
When we first started, the show rock ‘n’ roll was 25 years old and now it’s 65 years old. In a natural fashion we’ve brought the show forward over the decades. Whereas when we started we only featured only 50s and 60s, these days it goes through to the 80s.
The production has raised over £1 million for charity, how important has giving back been to the identity of the show?
We are in a privileged position to collect funds for charities. The audience only are pleased to donate if they’ve had a great night in the theatre. Our part is to say good night and hold the buckets.
As you head out on this anniversary tour, what are you most looking forward to — and what does this milestone mean to you personally?
The highlight of the 40th anniversary has to be our special appearance at the London Palladium.
Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring show creator, what would it be?
Believe in what you’re doing and have perseverance. And surround yourself with talented people.
A big thank you to Trevor Payne for taking the time to answer my questions. I will be catching That’ll Be The Day when it stops in Darlington, at the Hippodrome, on the 19th February 2026.
Have your say
Are you thinking of starting a career as a director / show creator? Are you currently working on a new show? How are you finding the process, and do you have any tips? Let me know in the comments!
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