REVIEW: THAT'LL BE CHRISTMAS @ CHURCHILL THEATRE

🎭 That'll Be Christmas

📍 Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA

🗓 Saturday 22nd November 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A GLORIOUS ROCK 'N' ROLL CHRISTMAS BAUBLE!

There are some annual traditions that you simply must not miss, and for over 30 years, the Christmas spectacular from That'll Be The Day has been a highlight of my festive season after 11 year old me saw my first incarnation sat in a box alongside my mum at the Bristol Hippodrome in December 1994.

Each year, I tell myself it can't possibly get any better, and each year this talented company proves me gloriously wrong. THAT'LL BE CHRISTMAS is the ultimate, feel-good night at the theatre, and quite frankly, we all need one right now!

From the moment the band began their overture, the energy was electric. Creator and star Trevor Payne, alongside the sensational ensemble cast, took the eager audience on a sleigh-ride through pop history, all wrapped up with a big festive bow! This is not a passive experience. The audience is encouraged to join in, and join in we did! The atmosphere was part concert, part singalong, and all parts fabulous.

The music, the singing, the comedy - every single member of the company are at the top of their game, and it shows,

The comedy sketches are, as ever, magic. Payne's now legendary comedy pairing with Gary Anderson is pure gold. From the classic Steptoe and Son, to Laurel and Hardy, and Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson, the jokes landed perfectly - leaving the packed house roaring with laughter.

But it's the musical performances that truly take centre stage. The vocal arrangements are impressively tight and the setlist is a genius mix of festive favourites and retro chart-toppers that were hits over Christmases past.

Alongside his comedy and spot-on impersonations, Anderson's velvety tones are a real treat for the ears, with his performance of When a Child Is Born being wonderfully understated, and his rendition of I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday bringing the entire audience to their feet.

Nikki Renee Hechavarria is a versatile vocalist, who gave powerhouse, soulful renditions of songs such as All Alone On Christmas and Think, a gorgeous and elegant Lovers Concerto, and a fun and funky Jump. Jodie Gray injected oodles of joy into festive favourites All I Want For Christmas Is You and Winter Wonderland, whilst her Going Back was poignant and heartfelt. Together Hechavarria and Gray performed a beautifully calm medley of ABBA songs, with their vocals marrying together gloriously.

The entire company are a multi-talented delight, with the band members playing a plethora of instruments as well as taking on lead vocals too. Mark Street's Holly Jolly Christmas and and I Believe In Father Christmas are charming, and Ollie Gray leads a enjoyable, upbeat Must Be Santa and encourages the audience to join in the merriment.

I especially enjoyed the vocal talents of Jarrod Loughlin. His Let It Snow was full of crooner vibes, while his Love Is All Around was serene and comforting. Seán McAustland had a wonderful depth to his voice which added a grandeur to Fairytale Of New York. Eduardo Neto may be the 'silent' member of the band, but his energy and joy oozes from the stage and is contagious.

There were too many standout moments to pick just one, but a highlight had to be Payne as Cliff Richard. As he performed Mistletoe and Wine the audience lit up the auditorium with their phone lights and a magical, glistening snow began to fall on the stage, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle.

The finale was an all-out party of Christmas hits that had the entire crowd on its feet, dancing, cheering, and full of the Christmas spirit.

Every aspect of this show was flawless. The lighting design was mesmerising, the costumes were sparkling, the transitions were slick, and the sheer joy radiating from the stage was palpable. THAT'LL BE CHRISTMAS is an absolute gem of a show, and if you need an injection of the festive spriit then look no further.

This cast works tirelessly to deliver a perfect night out, and honestly I could not have loved it more. The show continues to spread cheer and joy across the country until Sunday 21st December. Click here to check all the tour dates and to book tickets.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer.

CAST LIST:

Trevor Payne; Gary Anderson; Nikki Hechavarria; Jodie Gray; Mark Street; Ollie Gray; Jarrod Loughlin; Seán McAustland; Eduardo Neto

RUNNING TIME (approx):

3 hours, including interval

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