Taylormania
Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: The Spotlight, Hoddesdon
Cast: Katy Ellis 

An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis, a self obsessed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show you will ever see.

The show has already taken ‘Swiftie’ fans across the world by storm and features all of Taylor’s much loved hits including; Shake It Off, Blank Space, Love Story, You Belong With Me, Look What You Made Me Do, I Knew You Were Trouble and many, many more.

In the past few years, the love and craze for Taylor Swift has grown exponentially. Having seen her myself live almost 15 years ago, I was and still am a certified Swiftie. After securing tickets to the Eras Tour in June, I saw Taylormania advertised at my local theatre, and thought it would be the perfect way to get myself even more excited for the Eras Tour. I wasn't sure what I was expecting for just over £20 a ticket, but it certainly wasn't the absolute spectacle we were given over the space of two hours.

Leading the Taylormania UK tour is Katy Ellis, the UK's number one tribute act to Taylor Swift. Katy's voice is the perfect blend of Taylor and musical theatre - and my god, she belts out all of Swift's iconic hits with ease. After trawling the internet for a setlist, I couldn't seem to find one, so of course, this meant I had to make one myself (spoilers ahead for those who want every song to be a surprise song for the evening!)

What I loved about the setlist is that not only did it take it's songs from the Eras Tour setlist, but it also celebrated some songs that we don't get to see. Debut is one of my favourite albums, so getting to hear Our Song was utterly gorgeous. Other variants from the Eras Tour included Mean and Getaway Car, which were most definitely welcome.

What sets this show apart from other tribute acts is the sheer scale of the production. Over the course of two hours, Katy has over 10 costume changes! From the iconic Lover and Midnight bodysuits, to the Red Tour ringmaster outfit; the attention to detail is mind-blowing. Paired with stunning choreography from four gorgeous dancers, and a band live on stage - you truly do feel as though this is more than just a tribute act.

Katy's interaction with the audience is captivating, much like Taylor's, and she works the entirety of the stage well to make everyone feel involved in the evening. Although not looking much like Taylor Swift, her attention to the mannerisms and facial expressions of Swift makes you almost blind to this. Audience members are encouraged to sing, dance and take photos, as well as being welcomed to stand at the front of the stage which all adds to the atmosphere of the event. Expect to see sparks fly (literally) and hundreds of heart hands in the air.

Whether, like me, you're going for a warm-up to the Eras Tour, or simply looking for a more affordable way to spend an evening full of Taylor's music, costumes and gorgeous vibes - this is the show for you. If you want to trade friendship bracelets, belt out your favourite Swiftie songs and make the whole place shimmer, Taylormania is perfect 🫶

You can buy tickets to the UK tour of Taylormania, here.