If you’ve ever caught yourself humming a Cliff Richard tune, tapping your feet to ABBA, or wondering why they don’t make pop like they used to—then you’ll probably love this. The UK’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll variety show, That’ll Be The Day, is back with its massive Spring Tour 2025, running from January to June. It’s their 39th tour (yep, nearly 40 years on the road), and it’s shaping up to be just as packed with toe-tapping hits and belly-laughs as ever.
Whether you’re a fan of 50s jukebox hits or 80s pop bangers, there’s something in here for everyone. And even if you’re not the one buying the tickets, chances are your mum, dad, nan—or that mate who insists “music peaked in 1972”—has this on their must-see list.
What is That’ll Be The Day, exactly?
Imagine your favourite throwback playlist collided with a comedy sketch show and got dressed up for a night out at the theatre. That’s the vibe.
Trevor Payne, who created the show and still performs in it, leads a ridiculously talented cast through music from the 1950s to the 1980s—think The Beatles, Tom Jones, The Ronettes, Barbara Dickson, and more. And it’s not just singing. They mix in old-school TV adverts, retro pop culture moments, and proper funny sketches that’ll have even the moody teenagers chuckling. Basically, it’s three hours of memories, mayhem, and proper good fun—with a break for snacks in the middle.
Who’s this for?
Short answer: everyone. Long answer: this show knows how to get whole generations in the same room and actually enjoying the same thing.
- You’ve got music fans who were actually there for the original hits
- Kids who’ve discovered vinyl and retro vibes on TikTok
- People looking for a fun night out that doesn’t involve awkward small talk or being outside in the cold
It’s the kind of night where someone’s nan is grooving in the aisle next to a bloke in a leather jacket who swears by Elvis—and somehow, it just works.
What’s new in 2025?
While they’ve kept the much-loved format, 2025’s tour features brand new material mixed in with the fan favourites. So whether it’s your first time or your fifth, you’re in for something fresh.
And this isn’t a small run either—they’re hitting over 50 towns and cities across the UK, starting in Chelmsford on 22 January 2025, and finishing in Woking on 1 June 2025.
Here are just a few stops along the way:
- Basingstoke – 24 January & 12 April
- Cardiff – 26 January
- Stevenage – 14–15 February
- Southend-on-Sea – 9 March
- Birmingham – 6 April
- Leicester – 9 May
- York – 21 May
- Glasgow – 23 May
There’s a full list with ticket links at thatllbetheday.com too.
A show with heart
And here’s something else lovely—they’re not just about the laughs and the music. That’ll Be The Day has raised over £1 million for charities like Childline, Make A Wish, and the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal, just through those little bucket collections at the end of shows. So when you clap and cheer (and you will), you’re helping do a bit of good too.
What do people say about it?
Don’t just take my word for it. Reviewers have been raving for years:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “If you see one show this year, see this one” – Daily Mail
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Three hours of music and mayhem” – The Express
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “The best rock ‘n’ roll show on the road” – Time Out
Quick bits you need to know:
- 🎫 Tickets: Available via each theatre’s site or thatllbetheday.com
- ⏱ Running time: About 3 hours, including an interval (yes, time for ice cream)
- 👨👩👧👦 Age guidance: 12+ (there’s a bit of cheeky humour)
If you’ve been waiting for a reason to leave the house this spring that doesn’t involve shopping or traffic, this could be it. Whether you’re singing along to Elaine Paige or just enjoying the ride, That’ll Be The Day promises a proper feel-good night out.
Let me know if you want a bite-sized version with tour dates by region – I can whip that up too.
