REVIEW: Celebration of the King is leaving Selkirk audiences All Shook Up

Celebrating all things Elvis Presley, through the Joe DiPietro stage show, “All Shook Up” is bringing the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll back into the building.

A tale of rebellion through music, dancing and blue suede shoes, it’s Elvis meets Footloose, with a few love triangles along the way.

The Victoria Halls is transformed into in a very small town, in a very square state, during the late 1950s.

Cue the arrival of Chad, a hip-swivelling, guitar-playing ladies’ man, played by Stuart Mitchell, who, newly released from prison, vows to incite a rebellion when he learns of the outlawing of “loud music, public necking and tight pants” in the town.

And for young mechanic Natalie, played by Kirsty Cleland, his arrival is just the shake-up she needs to escape her dreary town.

Natalie’s best friend Dennis, played by Ross Aitkin, is in love with her, but she only has eyes for Chad, who has fallen for the beautiful Miss Sandra, played by Ellen McFadzen.

Natalie decides the only way to win Chad’s affection is to go undercover as Ed, donning her own leather jacket and blue suede shoes.

Chad and comedy genius Dennis meanwhile team up to take back the town, but things get complicated when Chad meets the glamorous Miss Sandra, played by Ellen McFadzen, and falls for her – because he’s not the only one. Natalie’s widowed father Jim, played by Craig Douglas, also has eyes for Miss Sandra.

Amanda Blacklock, as Sylvia, the sassy and sarcastic owner of the local nightspot, stars in yet another love triangle, and lots of Elvis songs and some plot twists later, the town is All Shook Up and we arrive at a triple wedding. We’ll not ruin the surprise by revealing who is getting married – you’ll have to find that out for yourselves.

But, rest assured, with favourite songs including Can’t Help Falling in Love, Jailhouse Rock, Fools Fall in Love and Hound Dog, you’re in for a true celebration of the King.

Leading those songs are returning regulars Amy Darrie, Raymond D’Agrossa, Emma Cavaroli, Alice Fyfe, Kyle Fairbairn and Robin Murray, as well as youngsters Sam Johnston and Rebecca Fernie who shine as love-struck teens Dean and Lorraine.

All Shook Up, led by musical director Derek Calder and overall director and producer Steve Oliver, runs at the Victoria Halls, Selkirk, until Saturday, February 29, with performances at 7.30pm and a matinee show on Saturday at 2pm. Tickets, costing £14, £12 for concessions, and £15 for table seats at the final show, from the Selkirk Opera Facebook page.

CAST: Chad – Stuart Mitchell; Warden – Robin Murray; Sylvia – Amanda Blacklock; Lorraine – Rebecca Fernie; Natalie – Kirsty Cleland; Dennis – Ross Aitkin; Grace – Emma Cavaroli; Gracie – Alice Fyfe; Jim – Craig Douglas; Mayor Matilda – Amy Darrie; Sheriff Earl – Raymond D’Agrosa; Dean – Sam Johnston; Miss Sandra – Ellen McFadzen; Bus Driver – Kyle Fairbairn.