Million Dollar Quartet at the Royal & Derngate Review

Reviewed by Amanda Browne

On Tuesday 18 April 2017, we went to the Royal & Derngate in Northampton to see the opening night of Million Dollar Quartet. I like the Royal, our seats were near the front and central, we had a prime spot and were ready to rock and roll. We were not disappointed!

The show is based on true events… a chance meeting of what would become four superstars, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. The show is based in the recording studio of Sun Records owned by Sam Phillips.

Sam was the first to record Elvis and discovered Jerry Lee Lewis Johnny Cash Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison.

From the off it was very apparent that all involved could sing. And sing they did. What a fab collection of songs pulled together with facts from the time. The audience were tapping their toes very quickly and completely taken back to an era of good old rock and roll.

Shock surprise of the show was Peter Duncan, of Blue Peter fame, fab accent! I thought he was brilliant. I’m a massive Elvis fan, I had no idea Blue Suede Shoes was Carl Perkins song and a tragic set of events transpired and Elvis ended up taking the tune. The show is informative and gives some great background to each of the stars.

In amongst these four superstars was the only lady, her voice was amazing and I was mesmerised when she sang Fever. Katie Ray playing Elvis’s friend Dyanne did a great job. The atmosphere created was awesome, with the double bass at the heart of everything, they blasted out some great music, for me though Jerry Lee Lewis was the star of the show. His showboating and piano playing were standout. Great Balls of Fire had everyone rocking in their seats. Johnny Cash also has a new fan, when Robbie Durham sang I Walk the Line I was hooked.

The show flies by in a blink of an eye, rock and roll from start to finish I don’t know what’s not to like about this show, we would definitely catch it again. The finale had everyone on their feet singing and dancing begging for one more. I for one could have danced all night, fabulous show, would highly recommend.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £17 to £38 (booking fees may apply).

Million Dollar Quartet is at the Royal & Derngate in Northampton until 22 April 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk or call the box office on 01604 624811.

Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP | 01604 624811