All Shook Up

From the very beginning of the show, I knew the audience were in for a real treat.  Straight into Jailhouse Rock we could feel the energy from the cast.  I attended the show on the opening performance, which unusually for Glasgow Light was a matinee performance.  It was obvious from the very start that the energy from the cast was ready to rock the stage of the King’s Theatre Glasgow.  The music of Elvis is infectious, and the lyrics of the songs played out by the cast, through this lighthearted jukebox musical brought laughter and joy to the theatre.

We were immediately introduced to the strong line up of principals and Chad, played by David Yates, took us straight into his Jailhouse Rock supported by a competent ensemble displaying a well choreographed number.   The strong line up of principals each brought their own strength to the roles and playing opposite Chad, Natalie, Mhairi Caulfield showed her versatility in the characterisations she portrayed throughout the storyline with strong vocal ability and acting in equal measure.   Dennis, played by Michael Donaghy was funny, witty and vocally he was perfectly suited to the role.   Without listing everyone individually, I would like to congratulate each of the principals who displayed their theatrical talents in the roles they played noting that each one  of them were appropriately cast.  This show is busy not only for the principals, but for the ensemble and dancers.  Using the entire cast in the larger ensemble numbers gave everyone a great opportunity to display the range of talent on stage.  It was good to see the whole company being involved in the larger ensemble pieces. 

Technical aspects of the show worked well, with excellent lighting design enhancing the set and moods for the range of scenes in the production. The sound was well balanced and there was good communication between the stage and pit under the musical direction of Alan Stuart Fraser. Congratulations also go to Choreographer Claire Brown and to Director Alasdair Hawthorn for their commitment and detail to the overall production.  Stage manager, Crawford Gray and his team along with Stephen Haggis, deputy stage manager, ensured that the show ran smoothly. 

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