A powerful homage to one of music’s most iconic moments, Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical is a bold, energetic, and emotionally resonant production that celebrates the power of music to unite and inspire. Currently playing at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre, this show doesn’t just replay the greatest hits of the 1980s — it tells the compelling behind-the-scenes story of how Live Aid came to be.

Blending real-life events with fictionalised storytelling, the musical offers an engaging narrative performed by a passionate and talented ensemble. Even a mid-show technical stop couldn’t dim the cast’s momentum — they returned with renewed energy, immediately pulling the audience back into the world of the show.

With a soundtrack packed full of legendary artists — Queen, David Bowie, Elton John, U2, and more — the musical reimagines each hit with fresh arrangements that honour the originals while adding new emotional depth. As co-writer John O’Farrell notes, the songs are performed with “a new meaning and emotional impact,” and that sentiment rings true throughout.

Visually, the production is clean and unfussy. The band is visible on stage at all times, with minimal sets and cleverly edited projections that capture the raw spirit of a 1980s concert. This simplicity allows the show’s emotional highs and quieter, reflective moments to shine.

Craige Els brings a brilliant mix of sharp humour and heartfelt sincerity to the role of Bob Geldof, effortlessly shifting between comedy and tenderness. Eloise Davies stands out with her electric stage presence, dynamic movement, and an impressive rock vocal that soars. Meanwhile, Freddie Love offers a refreshingly original take on Freddie Mercury, blending operatic flair and charisma in a way that evokes the Queen frontman without resorting to imitation.

Just For One Day may not reinvent the jukebox musical format, but it elevates it with heart, intention, and a message that still resonates: music can change the world. Whether you lived through Live Aid or are discovering its legacy anew, this is an uplifting and spirited reminder of what can happen when people — and songs — come together for a cause.

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