A brilliant high-energy tribute to the King of Rock and Roll.

Review by Dr Diana Carroll

The life of Elvis Presley  – the King of rock and roll, a musical icon, and a pop culture legend – is celebrated in this brilliant high-energy show. It is a fitting tribute to a man who single-handedly gave the world a true musical revolution.  Elvis’s daring and unique music scandalised and excited people in equal measure.  His music was damned as ‘the work of the devil’ and he was accused by righteous Americans of ‘sending our children to hell’!  

Australian stage and screen actor Rob Mallett is impressive as Elvis and grows into the character on stage just as Elvis grew into his public persona in life. It must be daunting to play such an iconic figure but Mallett captures The King’s physicality and is masterful with all those legendary moves. Whilst he doesn’t have quite the range and dulcet tones of Elvis he is still absolutely convincing. He gives his all vocally and captures the intrinsic emotionality of the music. Close your eyes during A Little Less Conversation  and you’re sure it’s Elvis on stage.

All of those greatest hits are featured here including Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock, Suspicious Minds, and All Shook Up. Interestingly, some of Mallett’s best scenes are the quiet ones where we can see the man behind the legend.  Elvis had a close and enduring bond with his mum Gladys, played here with real feeling by WAAPA graduate Noni McCallum. Indeed, it is an all Australian cast which is fabulous to see in one of these big touring shows. Ian Stenlake is convincing as the not-very-likeable manager Colonel Parker and Adelaide actor Annie Chiswell is absolutely perfect as the long-suffering Priscilla Presley. And a special mention for Kirby Burgess and her divinely sultry performance as Ann-Margaret.

As is usual in theatre, the role of Elvis as a child is played by a number of young actors who take the part in different performances. The one on opening night was seriously good and won the hearts of everyone in the audience for his cheeky chutzpah. Throughout the show, the ensemble were superb with fabulous dancing and very tight choreography by Michael Ralph. Of course, it’s all about the music and the band were brilliant under the guidance of musical director Daniel Puckey and conductor Adrian Szondy. It’s just a shame they were hidden away – it would have been a treat to see them live on stage.

The show is unashamedly a celebration of the musical legacy of Elvis and doesn’t delve too deep into the darker aspects of Elvis’s life. Elvis: A Musical Revolution is authorised by Elvis Presley Enterprises, the guardians of his name and legacy, so it’s no surprise that it is a very positive version of his life.

It really is remarkable that almost 70 years on from Elvis’s first number one hit – Heartbreak Hotel in 1956 – these songs still sound fresh and exciting. Even my 13 year-old companion, who didn’t really know of Elvis at all, absolutely loved the show.  This really is a brilliant high-energy tribute to the King of Rock and Roll and a fabulous night of musical theatre.

Elvis: A Musical Revolution is playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre until April 28. Grab your tickets HERE