Million Dollar Quartet at the Mayflower Theatre Southampton Review
Million Dollar Quartet
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
22-26 November 2016
Reviewed by Kelly Dewey
We visited the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton to see Jason Donovan in Million Dollar Quartet and although we are both in our mid-thirties we really knew nothing about the history of the Sun Record label and the world class artists Sam Phillips signed, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, and bringing the four of them together for one session.
So a few days before we were due to see the show we did a little research to ensure we knew who the artists were (excluding Elvis of course) and how Sam Phillips came to be.
As soon as the show began we were both a little unsure on how the plot was going to unfold but within five minutes we were hooked.
Although Jason Donovan (Sam Phillips) was the lead protagonist and played his part faultlessly I have to confess his acting skills were somewhat overshadowed by the brilliance and talent of the signed artists that accompanied him on stage.
Each artist can only be described as accomplished and skilled. Their acting was faultless but when they picked up their instruments and sang we were all in awe of their brilliance.
When Jonny Cash played and sung it’s was hard to tell the difference between him and the real thing, but when Jerry Lee Lewis played the piano the show was stolen by his natural ability and overwhelming presence on the stage. He brought both humour and musical greatness to the stage.
It was a touching moment when the famous photo of the 4 musicians was recreated on stage and then the original was shown.
I would recommend this show to anyone who enjoys good music and a great story, which massively made history.
By the end the crowd were on their feet dancing and enjoying the hits.
No wonder it’s been a hit everywhere…
Rating: 4.5/5
Million Dollar Quartet is currently on tour around the UK, for more information visit milliondollarquartetlive.co.uk.
For other shows at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton visit www.mayflower.org.uk.
Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE | 02380 711811
