CityLife

Elvis hits the town

FORGET Memphis, Manchester is the new home of Elvismania. First there was the news that Singalonga Elvis is to have its world premiere at The Lowry theatre in February.

Now, I can reveal, fans of The King are to get the chance of a sneak preview of another new show before it hits the West End.

Jailhouse Rock, The Musical is the latest project by the winning team behind the overwhelmingly successful musical Buddy, based on the story of Buddy Holly, which ran in London for 13 years.

Endorsed by Elvis' cousin, Donna Presley Early, it will feature all the favourite songs from the classic 1957 film version - as well as an additional 18 hits. And fans in Manchester will be able to see it first, at the Palace Theatre, as Jailhouse Rock will open here in March, before hitting the West End later this year and Broadway in 2005.

Casting is already well under-way and rehearsals for the show will start in the new year.

Playing the lead role of Vince, the character immortalised by Presley, will be Mario Kombou who, I hear, is so dedicated to his role he even has an Elvis number plate on his car.

The King

The show's opening is due to coincide with what is being dubbed the "50th anniversary of rock 'n' roll" as next year will see half a century since The King recorded his first hit, That's Alright.

And, to celebrate the occasion, Donna is planning a trip to Manchester in the run-up to the musical, when I hear she may even share a few secrets about living with her famous cousin at Gracelands.

Rehearsals for the musical may be in the early stages, but such is the lure of Elvis that I hear fans are already clamouring for tickets from around the globe.

"We have had calls from Japan, Germany, Australia and New Zealand," a show insider tells me. "I think we are likely to get an Elvis convention once it opens here.

"It's been in the pipeline for a long time and there has been a great response because it's the first time it's been done on the stage. People forget there were only five songs in the film, but this is a celebration of 50 years of rock, so there will be 23 in this version.

"There will be plenty of Elvis songs, although which ones will remain secret for now."

All together now...let's rock.

Jailhouse Rock is on at the Palace Theatre from Tuesday, March 9 to Saturday, March 20. Tickets are priced £6 - £28. Call the Box Office on 0870 060 1768 or click here.