Inspired by the music of Elvis Presley Love Me Tender is a musical with a difference and a twist, laced with comedy, loosely based around Shakespeare's Twelfth Night written by Joe Di Pietro and beautifully directed and choreographed by Karen Bruce.

 

Set in the 1950's in a small sleepy American town roustabout Chad (Ben Lewis) a hip swivelling, sexy, guitar playing stranger rides into town on his motorbike who brings a vibrancy and energy to the locals with his music, rock n roll lifestyle and attitude, much to the dismay of Mayor Matilda Hyde (Sian Reeves) who is mostly known for playing Sally Spode in Emmerdale who has banned all love, affection and tight jeans.

 

Bar manager Sylvia (Mica Paris) former award winning artiste wowed the audience with her superb vocals who smashed it when she sang Falling In Love With You.

 

Sylvia was the love interest of the wonderfully talented Jim (Shaun Williamson) a widower well known as Barry in Eastenders who has appeared in various stage productions including One Man, Two Guvnor's. Jim's daughter Natalie (Laura Tebbutt) the cross dressing love struck town's mechanic who hankered after the roustabout gave a faultless performance - what a joy it was to listen to her superb voice, that girl is like a pocket rocket and their was a real chemistry between her and father.

 

Mark Anderson as Dennis is to be congratulated on a brilliant performance as Chad's sidekick, as he struggled to win Natalie's love.

 

The sets designed by Morgan Large who has several West End credits included a prison cell and a fairground both imaginatively created. The colourful costumes were designed by Strictly's costume designer Vicky Gill.

 

The entire cast were fabulous complimenting each other with some terrific vocals which were simply delightful and supported by a live orchestra.

 

Love Me Tender in week two of its UK tour enjoyed a standing ovation at the Bristol Hippodrome on the opening night and maybe this is no surprise as it comes from those same producers of Hairspray, Jersey Boys and West Side Story and may well open in the West End.

 

Runs until Saturday, 20th June.