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That'll be the day, Venue Cymru, Llandudno
MUSIC man Trevor Payne has been hard at work reinventing one of the longest-running chronicles of pop culture, which returns to the region next week.
That'll Be The Day, a comic look at the characters behind some of Britain's most memorable music moments, comes to Llandudno's Venue Cymru next Saturday [May 30]. Trevor, who writes, directs and stars in the show, reckons it'll prove a hit with pop pickers old and new.
"We've come up with a formula that's unique and which everyone seems to enjoy. We've worked very hard to get it where it is, but we're always working to improve the show," he says.
"The 2009 show still deals with a nostalgia theme but we've moved back to our original line-up of having three front girls, three front boys, and five musicians at the back. It's like a football team in many ways, in that everyone has a very important position to play, and as a director it gives me a lot more creative freedom."
The show, now in its 24th year, tells the tale of British pop culture, beginning with the 1950s, heading through the heady days of Beatlemania in the 1960s, and right through to the hits of the 1990s.
It even makes a knowing nod to the music culture of 2009, as this year's show even incorporates a scene paying tribute to Comic Relief single Barry Islands In The Stream, which topped the UK singles charts in March.
Among the new scenes for this year is one with a space theme set in the late 1960s, which celebrates the first moon landing with songs including David Bowie's Space Oddity and Elton John's Rocketman.
Another looks at the theme of imprisonment and actually takes place inside a mock cell, with the likes of Elvis Presley hit Jailhouse Rock providing what Trevor says will be a memorable soundtrack.
"The show in its current form has been around for almost a year now, and the reaction to it has been one of the best we've had since we started That'll Be The Day" he adds.
"Venue Cymru is actually a great venue for this sort of performance, as it's got a wonderful, atmospheric feel. The audiences in North Wales are great as well, and are some of the friendliest and most enthusiastic people we meet when we're on tour."
"It's unashamed nostalgia and everybody finds something in it that appeals to them.
"There's always a song from the 50 years of rock and roll, whether you're a child or a pensioner, that will jump out and appeal to you. That's why the show is hard not to like," he added.
That'll Be The Day, Llandudno Venue Cymru, May 30, tickets from £16 on 01492 872000 or venuecymru.co.uk
