Live Aid Musical 2025: Just For One Day review

It’s been 40 years since the legendary music event that united millions across the globe, and Just For One Day, The Live Aid Musical is the ultimate celebration.

There’s no traditional curtains up for this one – the lights are already shining as you make your way to your seats, the atmosphere buzzing with anticipation.

As the lights dim, we meet mother-daughter duo Suzanne (Melissa Jacques) and Jemma (Fayth Ifil) who serve as emotional anchors in this nostalgia-fuelled story. Suzanne, a superfan, begins reminiscing after discovering her original Live Aid programme in the loft while helping Jemma pack for university.

Her recollection is soon interrupted by the man at the centre of it all, Bob Geldof (he didn’t have the “Sir” bit just yet), who’s eager to set the record straight. Craig Els’s portrayal of Bob Geldof is nothing short of brilliant. If you’ve ever been on the fence about the man himself, Els’ gritty, loud and passionate performance might just change your mind – expletives and all. 

We follow Geldof’s journey from his rise to fame with The Boomtown Rats, and the formation of charity supergroup Band Aid to the historic Live Aid concert of 1985. The show moves fluidly through timelines, guided by dynamic staging, seamless character shifts and, most of all, music.

The set design is unfussy yet effective, perfectly complementing the energetic and wholly committed ensemble without overshadowing performances. Each cast member delivers both humour and gravitas with multi-faceted portrayals. 

An on-stage band is an excellent touch, drawing the audience further into the performance and recreating the electric atmosphere of an epic live concert. It also makes it seriously hard to not to get up on your feet when the band launches into killer renditions of hits like Bowie and Jagger’s “Dancing in the Street”. Each song is cleverly woven into the narrative, with an ensemble member stepping into the shoes of legendary frontmen and women.

Of course, the show navigates a tonal tightrope, balancing celebratory spectacle with the stark reality of famine – something which activist and aid worker character Marsha (Kelly Agbowu) handles with powerful conviction. Later, Jemma challenges the infamous line “tonight thank God it’s them” line from “Do They Know It’s Christmas”, holding Geldof accountable. These moments, among others, ground the production and offer space for critical reflection.

Then comes the powerhouse that is Julie Atherton and her unforgettable turn as Margaret Thatcher, capturing the Iron Lady’s mannerisms and vocal tone to perfection. In a brilliant concoction of comedy, exaggerated character and spookily accurate mannerisms, Atherton let us know something great was about to happen every time she appeared on stage. Each standoff between Thatcher and Geldof was sharp and witty, evoking the hilarious spirit of The Two Ronnies with its standout moments of lyrical sparring.

The cross-generational soundtrack has every cast member holding their own with each voice as strong as the next. From a stellar performance of Queen’s “Radio Ga Ga” (a personal favourite) to an even more powerful performance of Bowie’s “Heroes”. I dare anyone who is a fan of 80s bangers to try and not sing along.

The show brims with flair and substance and, in my opinion, stands among the best music-centred theatre performances to date. This should come as no surprise, given its creators are two theatre heavyweights: it’s written by John O'Farrell (Mrs Doubtfire) and directed by Luke Sheppard (&Juliet).

Just For One Day is a bold, nostalgic and self-aware theatrical experience. It celebrates, critiques and remembers all at once. If you fell in love with musical movie hits like Rocketman or Bohemian Rhapsody, this is the show for you.

While some elements still feel like they’re finding the right balance between euphoria and tragedy, the ambition and performances make this fully deserving of the standing ovation it received. 

Make the most of your visit

Located in London's buzzing theatre district, just a short walk from Seven Dials, there are plenty of restaurants and bars near Shaftesbury Theatre that are perfect for pre-theatre dining.

• Grab some seriously good street food from the many vendors at Seven Dials Market.
• Enjoy a pre-show pint at The Craft Beer Co. Covent Garden where you can try a wide selection of local brews. 
• Sample contemporary Mediterranean and Japanese small plates at Bloomsbury Street Kitchen.
• Dine at the quintessentially English Dalloway Terrace, know for its pretty interiors and friendly service.
• Tuck into delicious Italian dishes at family owned and run Savoir Faire.