All Shook Up

Building on the success of previous productions and returning to Cumbernauld Theatre after a gap of a couple of years, ‘All Shook Up’ marked a confident and warmly welcomed comeback for the company. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and packed with well‑known Elvis Presley hits, this energetic jukebox musical delivered a lively mix of romance, comedy and mistaken identity. Jack Gouther gave a brilliant performance as Chad, the hip‑swivelling, guitar‑playing roustabout who rolls into town in search of a mechanic and instead meets Natalie Haller. Christine Duncan played Natalie with ease and charm, capturing both her determination and vulnerability. Her transformation into “Ed” was handled with great skill, and the chemistry between the two lead performers felt natural and was well‑balanced. Julie Cassells delivered a strong and engaging performance as Sylvia, the no‑nonsense café owner, at the heart of the town’s social life bringing effortless authority to the role, with the community around her.  Carissa Swan impressed as Miss Sandra, the museum’s caretaker, adding sophistication, glamour and just the right touch of mystery.  Lewis Milliken offered a heartfelt portrayal of Dennis, charting a believable shift from pining for Natalie to discovering a new admiration for museum caretaker Miss Sandra. Eddie Gouther, as Jim Haller, gave a lovely characterisation of the widowed gentleman, utterly smitten with Miss Sandra and blissfully unaware of the other affection waiting right on his own doorstep - Sylvia. Claire McDougall provided an entertaining performance as  Mayor Matilda, the domineering conservative leader of the town and self‑appointed enforcer of “no excitement”. She played the part with comic authority, capturing the rigidity of the character. Umoren Ubong David brought real charm and vulnerability to Dean, portraying a sheltered young man slowly finding the courage to push back against his mother Matilda’s control. Other principals also made their mark including Ashley McConnell as Lorraine, Sylvia’s teenage daughter, Alan Brown as the long‑suffering Sheriff Earl, who eventually turns the tables on Mayor Matilda and declares his love for her. Choreography throughout was confidently executed, with the company handling both ensemble numbers and more intimate moments with assurance. Vocally, the production was consistently strong, with great well-known songs such as Heartbreak Hotel,  It’s Now or Never, Blue Suede Shoes, Devil in Disguise and Can’t Help Falling in Love, carrying the action along. The show maintained a steady pace from start to finish, ensuring the energy never dipped and the story remained engaging.

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