Reviews

That’ll Be The Day (Bournemouth – tour)

Having been in the road for a staggering 25 years, and 20 consecutive summer seasons at the Bournemouth Pavilion, you would think this old war horse of a production would be a bit frayed at the edges – but not a bit of it. As fresh as ever, That’ll Be The Day returns triumphantly to the south coast resort for a late season stay and is set to delight audiences yet again.

This is a brand new show for 2011, but has plenty of the old familiar about it – with music covering all eras from the heyday of Rock and Roll to Freddie Mercury, and even the Proclaimers! It is blessed with a great, multi-talented band of instrumentalist/vocalists, covering each other expertly when called on to take part in sketches or vocal group performances. There are plenty of opportunities to showcase individuals:- a superb Shadows medley featuring Iain Hawkins, Oliver Gray and Clive Fishlock; a great drum duet from Mark Street and Oliver Gray (a huge favourite with the audience), and another sequence with Gray again (on banjo) and Hawkins on guitar.

The show fairly whisks along at a pace, with a rich blend of musical tributes and comedy sketches. Many of the comedy highlights feature Trevor Payne and Gary Anderson – a nice Laurel and Hardy sketch; Julio Inglesias (Payne) giving Willie Nelson (Anderson) some tips on how to be a success with the ladies; and a real crowd pleasing ‘Mick Jagger Monologue’.

The ‘Top of the Pops’ sequence gives Julia Greenham, Jodie Lawson and Nikki Renee Hechavarria show off their vocal talents with tributes to Dusty Springfield, Whitney Houston and Diana Ross, and a great Motown tribute from the entire cast.

Cliff, Elvis, Shakin’ Stevens and Freddie Mercury all appear courtesy of the brilliant Rebel Dean, and as always, Roy Orbison and Tom Jones from Gary Anderson. Phil Hollender, on keyboard, completes this talented line up.

The young dancers of the Hollywood Carrington School of Dance again dance their socks off and whip up the party mood, getting even the oldest, most curmudgeonly audience members up on their feet singing, dancing and clapping along.

A great, feel good night out to dance those early autumn blues away.