CityLife

From the salon to the Jailhouse

YOU could be forgiven for thinking that Jailhouse Rock - The Musical is another hagiography based on the life of Elvis Presley.

That's not an impression likely to be shaken by the news that it's been adapted for the stage by the writer/director team of Alan Janes and Rob Bettinson who, with their first collaboration, Buddy, introduced the concept of the rock 'n' roll musical to the West End.

Running for 13 years in London and across the globe, Buddy set the benchmark for such subsequent shows as Mamma Mia and the wretched Ben Elton/Queen effort We Will Rock You.

Influences

"Although based on the film, the musical will tell a much bigger story,'' insists Bettinson. "The stage production will also chart the birth of rock'n'roll, pinpointing its roots in the black music of the time and showing how singers such as Presley and those who were writing for artists like him carried those influences over into the American teenage mainstream.

"The story structure is pretty similar, but in the film, unlike our show, there were no black people, nor did you ever meet any of the other prisoners, apart from the one played by Elvis. There were only six songs in the original film, whereas we've got 23.

"We're using an awful lot of gospel and early rock'n'roll and early Elvis as the man moves to mega-stardom absorbing those musical influences that he turned into rock'n'roll. The film was made as a vehicle for Elvis, nothing more, nothing less. We're aiming for something more.''

Publicity

In the film, Elvis's character was called Vince Everett and the original publicity for the film called him "Vince Everett - The Rebel With A Voice Who Rocked the World''.

Playing Vince Everett is Mario Kombu, who had just about given up his singing ambitions to continue being a professional hairdresser until he saw an ad for open auditions for the show in The Stage magazine.

"I decided to give it a go and, two months later, after a lot of auditions and waiting around, I got the part. I know it sounds like one of those made-up `showbiz Cinderella' stories, but in this case it's true."

Jailhouse Rock - The Musical is on at the Palace Theatre from Tuesday, March 9 until Saturday, March 20. Tickets are priced £7 - £28. To book call 0870 060 1768 or click here to book online.

* Special offer for ManchesterOnline users - £5 off the three highest priced tickets for the performances on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Call 0870 401 3000 and quote 'ManchesterOnline offer.' (Maximum 2 tickets per booking).

* To read an interview with Donna Presley Early, click on the related link below.