This is Elvis, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham - review and pictures

Yes he’s got the look, he’s got the moves and the voice.

But this is not Elvis – though he comes pretty darn close!

In fact, during a particularly powerful rendition of In the Ghetto I closed my eyes for a moment and Elvis could actually have been in the building.

Canadian Steve Michaels is an award-winning tribute artist and his passion for The King has seen him perform with Presley’s bandmates DJ Fontana and Jerry Scheff as well as the Jordanaires and the Sweet Inspirations.

So with the spirit of Elvis coursing through his veins, Michael was a natural choice for the title role in this new musical, This is Elvis, directed by Bill Kenwright.

The first half of the show seemed to address the question ‘how many Elvis songs will fit into a two-hour show while incorporating a storyline?’ The answer being around 40 – though there is very little story.

Act one is set in the NBC studios ahead of the famous ’68 Comeback Special broadcast in 1969.

The singer’s career had been put on hold after being inducted into the US Army in 1958 and then returning to making films. His career was ‘down the toilet’ in 1968, the audience is told, when a very anxious Elvis recorded the NBC special.

Steve shares the stage with various musicians who largely represent his ‘Memphis Mafia’ and bandmates. Interaction with the band members throughout the performance reveals Elvis’s state of mind and his circumstances at that time.

There is a nod to a lifelong sadness over the death at birth of his twin, the devotion to his mother Gladys, troubled relationship with wife Priscilla as well as the intimidation by notorious manager Colonel Tom Parker (the mention of whom prompts boos from the knowing audience).

There are also allusions to his pill popping and struggle with his weight, as well as the self-doubt and anxiety he endured.

Hits come thick and fast at first as the curtain rises, racing through such numbers as Trouble, Guitar Man, Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog and All Shook Up as well as the beautiful Memories.

The action then moves to a scene at Elvis’s famous home Graceland in Memphis before switching to the International Hotel Suite in Las Vegas. This is where Elvis performed a famous 57-show four-week run – initially against his wishes.

Covers of The Beatles’ Get Back and an incredibly strong rendition of Bridge over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel take us to the interval.

But it is in the second half that showman Steve really shines as the audience is transported to that opening show in Vegas – and 20 of the music legend’s biggest hits.

The tempo is stepped right up from the off with That’s All Right Mama, Viva Las Vegas and Blue Suede Shoes to warm up the audience.

In the Ghetto is followed by You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling and Are You Lonesome Tonight – ballads enabling Steve to recover from his earlier exertions. But he is soon rocking again with King Creole and an energetic Burning Love.

Always on My Mind, If I Can Dream and The Wonder of You follow.

Suspicious Minds has people on their feet before the compelling American Trilogy catches the breath of every member of the audience and drags them to their feet for a standing ovation.

The night finishes with a rousing Jailhouse Rock that left everyone ‘All Shook Up’ (groan).

Fans of the King will, of course, love this live show but there is not really enough of his story to satisfy non-Elvis fans.

This is NOT Elvis – but it’s close enough.

Runs at the New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday (March 24).