Just for One Day — The Live Aid Musical
Old Vic, London

THE Old Vic production of Just for One Day could almost be a tribute to Bob Geldof.

The musical focuses on the Live Aid concert of 1985, which brought together leading musicians and raised millions to help relieve famine in Ethiopia, the title being taken from the David Bowie hit Heroes.

The central role of Geldof in galvanising musicians, the music industry, politicians and many others is writ in legend and brought effectively to life here. 

The story is told, in part, from the point of view of those not around at the time but it brings back memories of the 1980s for those who were. In one line, the youth of today, represented by gen-Z Jemma (played by Naomi Katiyo) is shocked to learn that there were only four TV channels in 1985, resulting in a knowing thumbs up to the audience from narrator, Suzanne (Jackie Clune).

The Live Aid theme is of coming together in community to raise funds to relieve poverty. But this was also the decade of Thatcherism, Ronald Reagan and the “greed is good” mantra. A time of smashing communities (the miners’ strike was just over) and “no such thing as society.” These conflicts don’t figure hugely in this account, though Thatcher, played by Julie Atherton, appears in jousts of musical lyrics with Geldof, over cancelling tax on funds raised. Perhaps, a little too much of the rhythmic Thatcher for all tastes!

Craige Els as Geldof is superb, marauding around the set, effing and blinding at all and sundry. His passion and ego simultaneously on display for all to see. One regret is that there is not more singing from Els, who belts out the Boomtown Rats number, I Don’t Like Mondays, leaving the audience wanting more. But maybe Geldof’s fundraising talent always did outweigh his musical hits.

Director Luke Shepherd expertly brings this production together, with a narrative running through as to how Live Aid came about and what it means today. Choreographer Ebony Molina ensures the vitality and energy of the production runs throughout, with dance routines and song.

The music, though, is the key, with the contributions of Bowie, Queen, Paul McCartney, Phil Collins and the Police all ringing out. The band are superb.

Some of the story and dialogue seems trite but maybe that comes from viewing a unique event from the mid-1980s in a 2024 context.

A great night out for those who love their 1980s music or simply enjoy a walk down memory lane. It is also not surprising that the production has been well received by Geldof. But the role of charity is celebrated without its legitimacy as a way of solving world poverty ever really being questioned.

Runs until March 30. Box office: 0344 871-7628, oldvictheatre.com.