Why This Tribute Feels Like the Real Deal
As a Swiftie since I was 12, I’ll never miss a chance to hear Taylor’s music performed live, whether it’s the real thing or an amazing tribute. So when I heard about Taylormania at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon, I grabbed my Eras Tour merch and cat ears and headed out on February 19.
Having seen the actual Eras Tour in London last year, I was curious: could a tribute show ever really compare? The short answer? If you missed the real tour, this is 100% the closest you’ll get.
Katy Ellis: The Ultimate Taylor Stand-In
The whole night was led by Katy Ellis, a self-proclaimed superfan who became Taylor for the evening. She didn’t just sing—she embodied every era, taking us on a lightning-fast journey through Taylor’s entire career. The vibe, the energy, the stage presence—it was shockingly similar to the real Eras Tour.
Era by Era Breakdown
Lover & The Opening Vibe
Katy kicked things off in full Lover mode, complete with the exact audience participation from “You Need To Calm Down.” It set the tone instantly.
Folklore/Evermore: The Standout Moment
This was where Katy truly stunned. Her take on “My Tears Ricochet” was intense, eerie, and arguably the best performance of the night—pure Folklore magic.
Red, Reputation & The Tortured Poets Department
She nailed the Red era, even recreating Taylor’s iconic moment of giving her “22” hat to a kid in the front row. Reputation arrived with the infamous “old Taylor” intro, and the newest hits from The Tortured Poets Department (sold as “Life of a Showgirl” on tour) were fresh and fiery.
Surprise Songs? She’s Got Them.
Like Taylor, Katy slipped in a “surprise songs” set—and she picked a deep cut: “Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus.” She also dropped other vault tracks like “You’re Losing Me” and “The Lakes,” plus a mashup of “Is It Over Now” and “Out of the Woods.” Major Swiftie points.
Nods to Past Tours
Long-time fans caught all the Easter eggs. The performance of “I Did Something Bad” echoed Taylor’s Reputation tour, and the audience echo during “Blank Space” was a direct throwback to the 1989 era. The attention to detail was insane.
The Magic Behind the Music
Band & Dancers
Katy was backed by a flawless band (guitars, keys, drums) and four incredible female dancers. Their moves were smooth and perfectly synced, making the whole production feel huge.
Costumes That Were Spot-On
This is where the show truly sparkled. Every single costume was practically identical to Taylor’s Eras Tour outfits—from the snake-themed Reputation leotard to the whimsical Folklore dress, and my personal favorite: the newspaper-style dress from The Tortured Poets Department. The transformation was unreal.
Final Verdict: Totally Worth It
This was an epic night. If you’re a Swiftie craving that live Eras experience, Taylormania is your fix. It’s a love letter to Taylor’s career, packed with surprises, nostalgia, and pure energy.
Yeah, Katy didn’t play my ultimate favorite (“All Too Well (10 Minute Version)”), but I’m not even mad. This show is a must-see for any fan waiting for the next big tour.
Image Credit: www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk
