The next interview in our stagey chat series is with Tom Ball and Trevor Payne. Trevor is the producer and director of the smash-hit show, That'll Be The Day, which is about to entire its 40th consecutive year of touring! To commemorate the occassion, That'll Be the Day will be playing a one-night-only show at the London Palladium with special guest star, Tom Ball.

Get yourself comfy and get ready to chat all things stagey!

Hi Tom, how are you doing today? Thanks so much for chatting to Stage to Page! Would you mind introducing yourself to our readers and telling us how you first got into the industry?

Tom: I'm a singer and performer called Tom Ball, probably best known for my time on Britain's Got Talent in 2022 and America's Got Talent: All-Stars the following year. Since then, I've been touring, performing and released my debut album Curtain Call celebrating my love for music from stage and screen and original songs. My journey really began when I was about seven years old - I was obsessed with musical theatre and film music. That's what made me fall in love with performing and eventually led me into this incredible industry.

You've just been announced as a special guest for the 40th Anniversary London Palladium performance of That'll Be the Day. How did that incredible opportunity arise?

Tom: It's such an honour to be part of this celebration! I've always admired That'll Be the Day - it's a show filled with heart, nostalgia, and an amazing cast. The team reached out and invited me to be a special guest for the 40th anniversary performance, and I couldn't say no. The London Palladium is such an iconic venue, and being part of this milestone show is something really special.

As mentioned, the show has been entertaining audiences for four decades - but what song would you most like to perform in That'll Be the Day and why?

Tom: There are so many great songs in the show, but I think something like 'Higher And Higher' would be a lot of fun - it's such a classic and really captures the energy and joy of the show. That said, That'll Be the Day has an incredible range of hits, so honestly, just being on that stage with the cast for any of them will be a thrill.

I recently had the pleasure of seeing you in Emerald Storm at the Emerald Theatre. How was it being part of such a fun and positive show?

Tom: It was fantastic! Emerald Storm is one of those shows that just lifts everyone's spirits - the energy, the music, the dancing, everything about it is electric. It's been amazing to share that show with so many audiences.

Hi Trevor, what does it mean to you to be bringing That'll Be the Day to the Palladium 40 years after the show first opened?

Trevor: To play at the world’s most famous theatre is a thrill that many people never get to experience. So we’re particularly blessed that we have played there several times, and the 40th anniversary is a perfect highlight to celebrate the show that’s lasted this long.

What has been the most memorable part of the last 40 years on tour with the show, and what do you think it is that brings audiences back time and time again?

Trevor: Most memorable part is bringing the show from club-land and holiday centres in the early days, to introducing it to the theatres in the early 90s and seeing the production grow into the huge success that it has become. We are now considered the leading touring rock and pop theatre show in the country and that is very pleasing.

How does it feel to have the incredible Tom Ball as a special guest for the 40th anniversary spectacular?

Trevor: We are very excited. Tom and TBTD have got together to bring out a charity single for Make-A-Wish UK, written by some of the company of That’ll Be The Day. We have recorded with Tom and we get on famously, he is just as thrilled as we are to be performing the single with us at the London Palladium.

And Tom, my blog is called Stage to Page. But if you could turn any book, from page to stage, what would it be and why?

Tom: I'd love to see 1984 brought to life on stage. It's such a powerful and thought-provoking story, that happens to be one of my favourites. The atmosphere, the tension, and the psychological side of it could be really striking in a live theatre setting - especially with clever staging and lighting to bring that world to life.

And finally, why should people book tickets to see the 40th anniversary performance of That'll Be the Day?

Tom: Because it's going to be an unforgettable night! The show has been making audiences smile for 40 years, and this special anniversary at the Palladium will be a huge celebration of music, laughter, and nostalgia. There's something for everyone - incredible performances, iconic songs, and a huge amount of heart. I can't wait to be part of it and share the stage with such an amazing group of people.

You can book tickets to That'll Be the Day at the London Palladium, here.