That'll Be the Day | London Palladium

Returning to the London Palladium for its 40th anniversary, That’ll Be the Day delivers three hours of rock ’n’ roll hits, old-school comedy and heartfelt farewells in a celebration that knows exactly what its audience wants.

Before the first guitar riff rings out, it’s worth clarifying exactly what That’ll Be the Day is because after 40 years on the road, it has perfected a format that defies easy categorisation. Part concert, part comedy revue and part nostalgia-fuelled variety show, it has become a reassuring constant of the British touring circuit. This anniversary performance at the London Palladium, the show’s first appearance at the venue in a decade, feels appropriately momentous.

Musically, the evening is a fast-moving celebration of 50s, 60s and 70s rock ’n’ roll classics, delivered with relentless energy by a highly skilled live band. From the opening moments, the sound is punchy and polished, with barely a pause between numbers. The musicians are flawless throughout, underpinning the entire production with a confidence that allows the show to barrel forward at pace despite its generous three-hour runtime.

The ensemble cast are similarly impressive, seamlessly shifting between vocals, choreography and comedy. Their versatility keeps the show visually dynamic and ensures the energy rarely dips, even as the evening stretches on. Credit is due to the pacing: while undeniably long, the production remains brisk and tightly structured, avoiding the sense of indulgence that anniversary shows can sometimes fall into.

Central to the evening are Trevor Payne and Gary Anderson, whose partnership has become synonymous with That’ll Be the Day. Their easy rapport and seasoned stage presence anchor the production, guiding the audience through decades of music and humour with practiced ease. This tour marks Payne’s farewell, lending several moments an added poignancy without tipping into sentimentality.

Comedy skits punctuate the musical numbers, leaning into deliberately old-fashioned humour. Some jokes feel distinctly of their time, serving as reminders of how much comedic tastes have evolved and not everything would necessarily land with a younger audience. However, the warmth and intent behind the material are clear, and the Palladium crowd responds enthusiastically.

One of the most affecting sections of the night comes with a guest appearance from Britain’s Got Talent finalist Tom Ball, who joins the cast alongside Make-A-Wish children. It’s a genuinely moving interlude that cuts through the spectacle and reinforces the show’s community spirit, offering a reminder of the human stories behind the entertainment.

As the evening builds towards its finale, the Palladium is transformed into a party atmosphere, with an upbeat medley of crowd-pleasers (including YMCA) prompting a standing ovation. By this point, the line between audience and performers has all but dissolved, and the celebration feels genuinely shared.

That’ll Be the Day may not aim for reinvention, but that has never been its mission. Instead, this 40th anniversary performance offers a confident, crowd-pleasing reminder of why the show has endured for four decades. As a farewell tour and a Palladium return, it strikes an effective balance between nostalgia, professionalism and heartfelt celebration.

That’ll Be The Day is visiting venues across the UK up until September 2026 - more tickets and information can be found here.

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Jessie Hawkes