Just For One Day: What you need to know about the new Live Aid musical and how to find tickets

What is Just For One Day about?

On July 13, 1985, rock ‘n’ roll changed the world. This soul-stirring new musical tells the story of the incredible Live Aid concert that Bob Geldof dreamed up. Witness the logistical feat of two simultaneous broadcasts from London and Philadelphia, and the resulting fundraising of £150 million for famine relief in Ethiopia.

Just For One Day tells this remarkable tale through the people who made it happen, and those whose lives were forever changed by it. The show is rocket-fuelled by some of the greatest music ever written, as it draws on the Live Aid concert playlist. Songs include Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind, Sting’s Message in a Bottle, and of course Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody – all with brilliant fresh arrangements.

Just For One Day was a big hit when it premiered at the Old Vic in early 2024, and it will continue to rock London when it transfers to the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2025.

How to buy tickets for Just For One Day

You can find seats for the London production of Just For One Day on Telegraph Tickets. Check the site for the latest prices. 

The cast

The key figure to get right in this dramatisation of the Live Aid story is Bob Geldof. Luckily Craige Els – who is reprising his role from the Old Vic – absolutely nails the Irish musician in a witty, commanding and heartfelt performance.

Els previously impressed as the formidable Miss Trunchbull in the West End production of Matilda The Musical. He also appeared in Antigone and Timon of Athens at the National Theatre, films The Imitation Game and Anna Karenina, and in TV series Doctor Who, The Responder and Coronation Street.

Just For One Day is directed by Luke Sheppard, whose other successful shows include Starlight Express, & Juliet, The Little Big Things, and In the Heights. The script is by John O’Farrell, who also wrote the script for Broadway and West End musicals Something Rotten! and Mrs Doubtfire.

The details

Where is Just For One Day playing?

Just For One Day runs at the Shaftesbury Theatre, which is on Shaftesbury Avenue, close to Covent Garden, Oxford Street and other theatres in London’s West End.

What is the running time of Just For One Day?

The running time of Just For One Day is 2 hours and 35 minutes, including an interval.

How long is Just For One Day running for?

Just For One Day is booking from May 15, 2025 to January 10, 2026. 

What is the minimum age for Just For One Day?

The age recommendation for Just For One Day is 14+.

Does Just For One Day have accessible tickets?

Yes, the show has captioned, BSL and audio-described performances scheduled. Find more information on the theatre website. 

The review

“This hit-filled Live Aid musical will fill you with nostalgia…  Be prepared for a smile on your lips, a tear in your eyes and a lingering itch to do good.” Read the full Telegraph review.

FAQs

Who sings Heroes in Just For One Day?

Just For One Day features numerous incredible songs that were performed in the actual Live Aid concert, including David Bowie’s anthem Heroes – which gives the show its title. Heroes becomes a mighty ensemble number, bringing together all the people who joined forces to make this remarkable event happen.  

Who plays Bob Geldof in Just For One Day?

Legendary Irish musician Bob Geldof was the driving force behind the Live Aid concert and so has a major role in the Just For One Day musical. Geldof is played by actor Craige Els, who won praise for his performance at the Old Vic and will play Geldof again in the West End run.

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