That'll Be Christmas

That'll Be the Day is back at the Bournemouth International Centre on Sunday 20 December, with this particular show called That'll Be Christmas. It's the Christmas edition of what's billed as the UK's longest-running rock and pop variety show, so if you're looking for something to do that weekend, this is a good shout.

There's a bit of history to it that's worth knowing. The show started out in working men's clubs and holiday resorts before it grew into a proper theatre attraction, and it's been returning to Bournemouth every year since 1997. That makes it the longest-running show at the Bournemouth Pavilion, and the production's founder, director, producer and cast member Trevor Payne describes the Pavilion as its 'creative home'.

Payne has been driving the touring phenomenon for more than 40 years, and the scale of it is something of a feat: over 200 shows a year, performed nationwide. This one is part of that touring circuit, coming to the BIC as the That'll Be Christmas performance. It's a rock and pop variety show, so you'll get a mix of acts rather than a single band playing a set.

It's on Sunday 20 December at the Bournemouth International Centre, so it's one of those things that fits into the run-up to the holidays. If you've seen it in previous years, you'll know the format, and if you haven't, it's a good place to start.