The Live Aid Musical - Rocks into the West End
“Buy the record and save one life”
Suzanne
It is nearly 18 months since Just for One Day opened at the Old Vic, and next month marks the 40th anniversary of the phenomenon that was Live Aid. I say “phenomenon” because nothing on the world stage before or since has come close to the achievement of Bob Geldof in bringing to global attention the plight of the people of Sudan and Ethiopia. For a fuller understanding, see my review of this show at the Old Vic in 2024.. This is an update on how the musical has matured during its world tour.
When it opened in London, written by John O’Farrell, it was and still is a hugely entertaining jukebox musical. The story focuses on Bob Geldof, lead singer of The Boomtown Rats, played convincingly by Craige Els. From the frustration of feeling powerless to help the starving and dying, Geldof together with Midge Ure created the number one charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”, performed by some of the biggest pop stars of the time, accompanied by a powerful music video. The U.S. responded with its own equivalent, “We Are the World”, using the same formula, and it too was hugely successful.
After a harrowing trip to Ethiopia, Geldof was motivated to do more. With the help of experienced promoter Harvey Goldsmith (Tim Mahendran), he conceived the idea of holding simultaneous concerts in London and Philadelphia. In 1985, the world was a very different place the internet was unknown to most, and the UK had just four TV channels. Through Geldof’s personal drive and a significant bending of the truth more than 70 of the world’s best-known performers agreed to perform for free.
One of the well-known stories is of Harvey Goldsmith policing stage time by wearing a large clock to keep acts to their 20-minute slots. It was said that over 95% of the world’s population were either watching or listening to the concert. The show has evolved since its original opening. Director Luke Sheppard has played to its strengths and enhanced them. The first act now focuses on the build-up to the Wembley Stadium concert, with the second act covering the event itself.
Some of the comedic elements have been expanded particularly Julie Atherton’s brilliant portrayal of the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, with sharper political satire. More emotional depth has also been added, including time-shifted scenes between a mother Suzanne (Melissa Jacques) who attended the original concert and her daughter Jemma (Fayth Ifil), now preparing to go to university.
The set, designed by (Soutra Gilmour), remains largely unchanged. A six-piece band plays with energy from a raised platform at the back, while the large cast sit on movable bench-like seats across the stage, sliding forward and back as needed. Choreography by Ebony Molina is dynamic and diverse.
Given the variety of music styles featured in the original concert, cast members perform both solo and ensemble numbers, often with strong vocal resemblance to the original artists. There is a continued reliance on Queen’s music, including “We Are the Champions”. Freddie Mercury’s legacy clearly lives on. Queen Elizabeth was not there but her oldest son and Princess Diana were in attendance.
While the humour is stronger, so too is the portrayal of the suffering of the starving and dying children and adults. It’s a delicate balance, but the message is clear and powerful. In 1985, our access to world events was limited to what we were told. Today, we can watch live footage on our phones. But there is no doubt that the £100 million raised and the awareness generated saved, and continues to save, many lives. That is the core message.
Part of the proceeds of this musical continues to go to the Live Aid charity.
This is a good musical that deserves to do well—and few will leave disappointed.
Malcolm Beckett has been reviewing theatre since 2017
Musical Numbers
Act One
Heroes
Rat Trap
Drive
Dancing With Tears In My Eyes
Everytime You Go Away
True
Every Breath You Take
Do They Know It’s Christmas?
Radio Ga Ga
Last Christmas
Wouldn’t It Be Nice
We Are The Champions
Stop Your Sobbing
We Are The World
You’re the Best Thing
I’m Still Standing
Bad
Message in a Bottle
Act Two
Pinball Wizard
Dancing in the Streets
Summer of ’69
Blowing in the Wind
Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)
In the Air Tonight
Why Can’t We Live Together
We Will Rock You
King of Rock
Rockin’ All Over the World
Vienna
I Don’t Like Mondays
All You Need is Love
Against All Odds (Take a Look ar Me Now)
Rebel Rebel
Don’t You (Forget About Me)
Into the Groove
Bohemian Rhapsody
My Generation
Let It Be
Mrs T and Mr G
Production Notes
Just For One Day
Book by John O’Farrell
Choreographed by Ebony Molina
Directed by Luke Sheppard
Cast
Kelly Agbowu
Julie Atherton
Jason Battersby
Jordan Cambridge-Taylor
Eloise Davies
Craige Els
James Hameed
Fayth Ifil
Melissa Jacques
Hope Kenna
AJ Lewis
Freddie Love
Eddie Mann
Tim Mahendran
Rhianne-Louise Mccaulsky
Emily Ooi
Ashley Samuels
Jake Small
Jack Michael Stacey
Tamara Tare
George Ure
Kerry Enright
Evan Fox Harrison
Creatives
Director: Luke Sheppard
Choreographer: Ebony Molina
Set Designer: Soutra Gilmour
Costume Designer: Faye Fullerton
Musical Supervisor and Arranger: Matthew Brind
Lighting Designer: Howard Hudson
Sound Designer: Gareth Owen
Video and Animation: Andrzej Goulding
Musical Director: Patrick Hurley
Information
Running Time: Two hours 30 minutes with an interval
Booking until 10th January 2026
Theatre:
The Shaftesbury Theatre
210 Shaftesbury Avenue
London WC2H 8DP
Phone: 020 7379 5399
Website: https://theliveaidmusical.com/
Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Re-Reviewed by Malcolm Beckett at the Shaftesbury
on 11th June 2025
