OXFORD theatre-goers should be prepared to get all shook up at the New Theatre this week.
Love Me Tender, a new musical inspired by and featuring the music of Elvis Presley, opened on Monday night and the four stars – Mica Paris, Shaun Williamson, Sian Reeves and Ben Lewis – were ready to rock as they arrived in the city.
The musical is set in a small town in 1950s America, where a guitar-playing stranger rides his motorbike in town and leaves the audience wondering whether he is the Devil in Disguise or a Teddy Bear.
Award-winning singer and platinum-selling artist Mica Paris, who plays Sylvia, said: “The reason why I took the part is because I just saw myself in the role.
“I saw myself in her, so all I had to do was just be me. It is a beautiful love story, and the love stories are on different levels. You have youthful love, mature love and you’ve got this fantastic music on top.
“I’m having such a good time, for someone who was running from the theatre for 21 years, I’ve really found my thing.”
Sian Reeves, who plays Mayor Matilda Hyde, is best known for her role as Sally Spode in Emmerdale.
She said: “It’s a feel-good show; you’re all going to go crazy for it and probably lose some weight dancing in the aisle, which is always good.”
Love Me Tender runs at the New Theatre until Saturday, July 11. Tickets are available at atgtickets.com/oxford
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