Just for One Day, The Old Vic Review

Reviews

18 Feb

Written by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.

What do you get when you take one of the biggest music events in history and create a jukebox from its legacy? Just for One Day is the tender story of Bob Geldof’s determination to help people starving during the Ethiopian famine in the 1980s. Although this new production from director Luke Sheppard feels quite specific in the generation it will appeal to, Just for One Day will appeal to so many more. As someone who often watched the Live Aid DVD during their teenage years (thanks to their parents), this show has been one of my absolute must-sees in 2024.

Now thriving in its world premiere at The Old Vic, John O’Farrell’s new musical shines a light on people’s stories about ‘the day rock ‘n’ roll changed the world’ and raised £150 million for famine relief. From all walks of life, we see an offering of different perspectives from those who were there on Saturday 13 July 1985. We do see how Bob Geldof’s journey to Live Aid unfolds, as well as Black British aid work Amara (Abiona Omonua) who educates the naïve on the logistical challenges against the ignorance of a Tory government (sound familiar?) but there’s this beautiful introduction of Jemma (Naomi Katiyo), a young woman who offers the brilliant opportunity to use this platform to remind future generations that we can all make a stance on chance too. It’s moving and so powerful that you almost forget that Just for One Day would be considered to people as just another “jukebox musical”. If you see it through the lens of audiences who will see this musical for themselves during its limited run, it’s most definitely more than just that.

Woven in those stories is this magnificent soundtrack that assists the storytelling in an unforgettable style. From the opening rendition of David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’, to songs from Queen, The Police, Status Quo, and Boomtown Rats - it constantly feels like we are in the thick of the adrenaline that this music has delivered for nearly 40 years. Watch out for the ingenious band of 6 who build an atmosphere like no other in the Old Vic’s auditorium (Patrick Hurley, Rachel Murphy, Nathaniel Adamson, Joe Evans, Matt Isaac, Kobi Pham).

Just for One Day is performed by a cast of 26. Aside from Bob Geldof (Craige Els) and Midge Ure (Jack Shalloo), the rest of this impeccable cast plays a range of diverse characters. There are so many narratives unfolding in this show but notably its strength in delivery stays consistent until the very last beat. Credit has to go to that ensemble; Jason Battersby, Ashley Campbell, Jackie Clune, Olly Dobson, Joe Edgar, Jo Foster, Collette Guitart, James Hameed, Hope Kenna, Naomi Katiyo, Freddie Love, Joel Montague, Abiona Omonua, Emily Ooi, Danielle Steers, Tamara Tare, Rhys Wilkinson and Dyd Wynford. This is a strong collaborative performance from them all and with Sheppard’s direction, they are each allowed to put their individual style into the music. There are moments when songs are uplifted by some choreography which offers a more dynamic in its delivery.

Craige Els is a joyous watch as Bob Geldof, he really has captured his personality and you could feel the audience’s warmth to him immediately. Although Julie Atherton’s performance as the Iron Lady is an utter stand-out. Atherton is hilarious and oozes the complexity of Thatcher in a way that offers some light-hearted relief to the frustrations that her government possessed, I dare you to listen to ‘I’m Still Standing’ in the same way after witnessing this rendition.

Just for One Day offers audiences a pang of nostalgia buzz and my only gripe is that this musical isn’t on for longer as I think it’s an absolute treat! It’s a slick musical tribute that offers audiences the opportunity to see how theatre can beautifully reach people in a way that nobody else can. If that isn’t the purpose of creating a musical then I don’t know what is?

Just For One Day opens in London at the Shaftesbury Theatre in May 2025.