Memphis the Musical that is. Playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London’s West End.
Starring Beverley Knight and being joined this week by X-Factor’s Matt Cardle, the Olivier and Tony Award winning Memphis has been wowing West End audiences and is seen by many as the hottest show in town this year!
The subject matter of Memphis is unsettling and in places tear jerking, there were some around me reaching for the tissues just before the interval, but by the end of the evening the amazing cast will have you leaving the Shaftesbury in a joyous mood.
The show itself is inspired by true life events from the 1950’s underground club scene in Memphis Tennessee, following the life of a department store worker turn Radio DJ. In a time when music by anyone of colour just wouldn’t receive the airplay on radio stations of white listeners, well that is until Huey Calhoun comes along.
Finding himself in Delray’s underground club, Huey stands out like a sore thumb but after proving to the locals of his music loving intentions, through song of course, sticks around and as well as falling in love with the African – American music he has heard he has also fallen head over heels for soul singer Felicia (Delray’s sister) and promises to get her record played on the radio for everyone to hear.
Through all the racial prejudice from both families their relationship swiftly develops until Felicia is left with a decision to make, her career or love?
The music will have you toe-tapping the entire night which I guess is to be expected when the score is written by someone of the calibre of David Bryan (Bon Jovi keyboard player).
Opening the show, Underground, really sets the standards for the rest of the evening. OK there are a couple of unmemorable songs in there but with a mixture of soul, blues, rock and gospel you will find yourself looking around to see if anyone is up dancing in the aisles so you can join them.
Add to the amazing music, the awesome vocals and acting of Beverley Knight, the enthusiasm of the cast and a Romeo & Juliet style love story and you will witness an amazing show.
My last words of Memphis have to go to the stand out performer of the night, in my eyes anyway.
I know Beverley Knight is the headline performer of Memphis, and the way she effortlessly belts out those amazing vocals hit the headlines in review after review, but, in the absence of Killian Donnelly playing Huey, I have to say Jon Robyns was sensational. His humour and wit along with an apparent strong chemistry with Beverley that would have you questioning whether or not this was the understudy or someone that has played the part every night!
Memphis is showing at The Shaftesbury Theatre, tickets can be purchased by calling the box office 0207 379 539 or online www.memphisthemusical.com
