The Elvis Years At The Grove Theatre, Dunstable Review

Reviewed by Amanda Dando

Tonight we arrived amid torrential rain to The Grove Theatre in Dunstable to watch The Elvis Years. There is plenty of parking around the theatre although most was flooded, everyone arriving was drenched. It’s the most packed I have seen the Grove post covid, so I was in anticipation of the show, he must be good for so many to turn out. We were seated for the first time upstairs via door D in the circle, and to be honest it was a cracking view. The place was packed, I couldn’t spot any empty seats.

Mario Kombou is The King, and if you don’t believe me, then go see him for yourself. I have seen many many Elvis tribute shows, as yes ok, I admit to being an Elvis groupie, my my I would so have loved to have seen the man himself. Every now and again, we see an outstanding act, and tonight would rank in my top two acts. This is very much a class show, and I have rarely seen anything better. It was everything, the energy of the man himself, the band, what an outstanding set of musicians, and backing singers.

This particular show stands out for the inclusivity, he made me feel all the way up in the circle, that he was pleased I came. He performed several numbers in amongst the crowd, who were simply drooling, how jealous was I all the way up in the circle, which artists rarely do. He shook hands, he did shout outs, he had a dry sense of humour. All round just fabulous. This is a top night out, that surely no one who was there tonight was disappointed with.

All that before I get started on his voice and stage presence. He sure does get through some numbers, not to mention outfits! I honestly think that’s the first act I have seen dress in the army outfit, which just added to his appeal. We all love Elvis’s extravagant outfits and costumes but he was as hot as in the army uniform! So many stand out tunes, In the Ghetto being a massive favourite of mine, he also played our wedding dance song Can’t help falling Love. He made an lady happy tonight. American Trilogy as always is a massive standout tune. This show covers early Elvis, 1954 right through to the Vegas Years. The backdrop of the stage an endless source of videos pictures and real footage of the great man himself.

Mario definitely has the voice the talent the moves the presence of Elvis about him. He is for sure amazing at what he does, and I would most definitely see him again. It’s rare that you close your eyes and feel you are with the star themselves, but at times, I could believe I was with the King himself.

You would have to have a Wooden Heart not to have enjoyed every single second of The Elvis Years tonight. Get yourself a ticket I can guarantee it will be the best night out you have in 2023.

Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £27 plus booking fees. The Elvis Years is touring the UK.
For more information or to book tickets visit www.theelvisyears.com