The UK’s undisputed number-one jive and swing band, The Jive Aces, return triumphantly to the capital’s theatre scene with their brand-new, high-energy Not Quite Christmas Show, a one-day-only extravaganza on Sunday 21st December at 3:30pm (doors at 3pm) at the historic Shaw Theatre, 100-104 Euston Road, London NW1 2AJ. The show will benefit The Not Forgotten charity.
This unmissable Sunday matinee brings together the six-piece band and an all-star guest line-up guaranteed to set the stage alight: 1950s teen gospel legend Laurie London, smooth R&B baritone saxophonist Lottie B., Mediterranean rock ’n’ roll powerhouse Dani West, magnetic songstress Noelle Vaughn, vintage harmony trio The Knightingales, sizzling lead guitarist Jim Knowler, the irresistible rhythms of Willy & Ruby Briggs from Hot House Combo, world-class dancers Joseph & Charlotte (JiveSwing.com), and the Italian Queen of accordion Grazia Bevilacqua.
Renowned for their explosive live performances, The Jive Aces have spent over two decades spreading irresistible happiness through their music. Fresh from a landmark 2025 that saw them sell out theatres all across the nation, Europe and America. The band recently received the career-defining honour of opening for Sir Van Morrison during the music icon’s two-night 80th birthday celebrations in his hometown of Belfast.
You might remember their unforgettable Britain’s Got Talent semi-final performance, the one that famously had the entire nation smiling, with Simon Cowell’s verdict that said it all: “You put me in a good mood!” That same relentless positivity and virtuosic musicianship continue to win them devoted fans across every generation.
For this show, the band famous for their trademark yellow suits, will swap them for festive red suits, instantly putting the entire audience in the holiday spirit the moment they step onto the stage.
The “Not Quite Christmas Show” deliberately sidesteps the usual festive clichés to deliver something fresher and more exhilarating: a celebration of swing, jive, rock ’n’ roll, rhythm & blues, and pure feel-good energy. Expect roof-raising classics such as “Bring Me Sunshine,” their number-one Heritage Chart hit “La Vie En Rose,” without forgetting a swinging “Jingle Bells,” and “Santa Baby” and the band’s own signature arrangement of “It’s Not Quite Christmas.
Adding timeless warmth will be Laurie London – the teenage prodigy whose 1957 recording of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” topped charts worldwide – returning to the London stage after decades to lend his still-powerful voice to gospel-tinged swing numbers. The line-up explodes further with Lottie B.’s silky baritone saxophone, Dani West’s Mediterranean fire, Noelle Vaughn’s soulful delivery, The Knightingales’ exquisite close-harmony vocals, Jim Knowler’s razor-sharp guitar riffs, Willy & Ruby Briggs’ driving vintage rhythm section, and Grazia Bevilacqua’s charismatic Italian accordion flair.
“The idea behind ‘Not Quite Christmas’ is simple,” explains Jive Aces frontman Ian Clarkson. “December can be stressful and over-commercialised. We want to give people music that makes your face grin, your feet tapping and your heart sing, leaving the theatre in the right mood for Christmas! And all for the good cause, helping the Not Forgotten charity, makes it more special.”
Tickets available from: https://shaw-theatre.line-up.tickets/event/45720/performance/1043724 or call the Shaw Theatre Box Office on 020 7666 9037.
Watch the show trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j32ZdeVlsOM
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A spectacular line-up guaranteed to deliver a festive jive injection!
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Ready to swing into the season? Catch this magical line-up, ditch the blues, and join us in supporting the Not Forgotten charity!
- Entertainment & Media
- 15 December 2025
