The Elvis Years, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - review

Six decades after Elvis Presley first walked into Sun Studios, The Elvis Years tell the remarkable story of a teenage truck driver that became one of the most important musical icons of our time.

The energetic show follows the highs and lows of Elvis's life - including his first Sun session, the Grand Old Opry, Loisiana Hayride, Frank Sinatra's Timex, the death of his beloved mother, his time in the army, his glittering Las Vegas concerts and more.

This was done through a series of intimate found footage from the time of his life, an exquisite live band and Mario Kombou performing as Elvis, from the West End musical Jailhouse Rock.

Kombou brought Elvis to life before our very eyes - flashing a charismatic smile at swooning audience members and shaking his hips across the stage.

If you closed your eyes, you could have sworn you were in the same room as the king himself. Kombou had perfected the nuance's of Elvis's voice down to the smallest detail, showcasing the sheer talent and dedication he has to retelling the man's life.

Huge hits such Hound Dog, It's Now or Never, The Wonder of You and Viva Las Vegas were sang almost effortlessly - with Kombou frequently interacting with the crowd, dancing across the stage and taking to the stalls with scarves to throw around his adoring fans and to kiss the cheek's of adoring ladies. His voice did not suffer with all of the this entertainment, every note was pitch-perfect and powerful.

Kombou's excellent backing band and vocalists helped to bring these songs to life with a variety of soaring riffs and acapella parts in songs such as Don't Be Cruel and A Fool Such as I.

"Are you ready to see Elvis Presley one last time?" The band shouted, before a rip-roaring encore featuring smash hits Suspicious Minds, American Trilogy and a touching tribute to the king himself with a rendition of Frank Sinatra's My Way.

With the audience left breathless from a night of jiving, the king left the building with a parting gift of a smile on everyone's faces.

The Elvis Years successfully brought the magic and wonder of Elvis Presley to life in a dazzling live performance that showcased the glittering career of a musical great.

Thank you very much.