MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Produced by Simon Friend and Mark Goucher)

Every so often a show comes along that restores your faith in live theatre and Million Dollar Quartet does that in bucket loads. Currently at Malvern Festival Theatre, as it tours the country, this vibrant new musical gives the opportunity to experience an extraordinary night in rock ‘n’ roll history. One December evening in 1956, Sun Records producer, Sam Phillips, gathered together four of his protégés, music legends who changed the world. That night saw Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins share their love of music as a collective that would become known as the Million Dollar Quartet.

Jason Donovan is excellent in the role of Sam Phillips, the man who created rock ‘n’ roll, with a convincing Tennessee drawl and authenticity of character that gives the story real heart. Matthew Wycliffe brilliantly portrays the frustrations of Carl Perkins, writer of Blue Suede Shoes, who missed a golden opportunity because of a car crash on the way to a TV appearance. Robbie Durham is perfectly chilled as Johnny Cash and Ross William Wild’s vocals as Elvis Presley are faultless. Direct from playing the role in Vegas, Martin Kaye is absolutely phenomenal as Jerry Lee Lewis. All four convincingly capture the character and voice of each performer and ooze with musical talent to rival the originals. Katie Ray delivers impressive vocals as Presley’s girlfriend, Dyanne, while Ben Cullingworth and James Swinnerton provide superb accompaniment on drums and bass.

Writer, Colin Escott, has penned a fascinating insight into a time of immense global upheaval, when music seemed to be the fuel for change. Set in real time, the story cleverly interweaves the past for each of the recording artists and explores their relationships and personal dilemmas, amidst a glorious discography of, not one but, four music legends. Set in the Sun Records recording studio, Ian Talbot’s direction is simple and effective and John Maher’s musical supervision delightfully speaks for itself. Although the set looks great, it appears a little flimsy in design and, at times, the shaky walls were reminiscent of Crossroad. However, this didn’t affect the enjoyment and may have been a first night glitch. Special mention has to go to David Howe, for one of the most fantastic lighting designs. Simply stunning!

If you like The Buddy Holly Story then you will adore this. Featuring legendary hits including Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, Great Balls of Fire, Walk the Line, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, Who Do You Love?, Folsom Prison Blues, Hound Dog and many more, you are guaranteed an epic night out. Million Dollar Quartet runs at Malvern until Saturday, before moving on to the Birmingham Hippodrome.

5 stars