Review: The Elvis Years, Dominion Theatre

The Dominion Theatre recently hosted The Elvis Years, a one-night event celebrating Elvis’ career as
a singer and actor, from his first studio sessions in Memphis in 1953 to his death in 1977. It’s an
imposing and capacious theatre (over 2,000 seats) which rapidly filled with excited Elvis fans looking
forward to the 2 hours plus show ahead. There were some wonderful costumes and hairstyles
reminiscent of the early Elvis years, and anticipation of the performance ahead.

Directed and produced by David Mackay, this established show is set on a simple stage with dias for
band equipment, such as the drum kit and keyboards, and of course, Elvis. A large screen projection
to the rear of the stage begins the narrative of the early 1950s, playfully tuning an old radio set in
anticipation of music.

Mario Kombou, much lauded for his ability to portray Elvis through his many career highs, walked on
to significant applause, ably accompanied by the band: Neil Bullock, Simon Parrish, Stephen Gray
and John Joce. The opening number had poor sound quality, with vocals sounding discordant and
indistinct despite excellent musicality from the band. At the end of the opening number, Kombou
declared, ‘I was going to say this later, but … I have laryngitis and I shouldn’t be singing this evening’.

He went on to say how much he loves Elvis and his music and appreciated that attendees were there
to enjoy the event, so he’d make the best effort and encouraged us to sing along as much as
possible. Some audience members laughed (clearly not understanding the potentially severe
consequences for the performer), others gasped, cheered and shouted their love for Kombou.
Some achingly poor vocal performances of numerous Elvis hits followed as Kombou struggled
through scene, costume and musical eras, doing his best to deliver this show, whilst audience
members began to leave. Applause after each number varied from half-hearted to outpourings of
love and adoration: sentimentality for Elvis’ many successes, sympathy for Kombou’s efforts.
Kombou advised the audience that there was a live video and vocal recording taking place this
evening. Some laughed, others cheered, and the rest of us were dumbfounded! Recording this
performance seems risible at best.

When Kombou makes a foray into the audience to kiss, shake hands and greet the many fans, there’s laughter as one audience member hands him underwear with what appears to be a name and number scrawled in black pen. This later makes its own stage appearance on a mic stand for the remainder of that number. Through the performance, the set changes, lighting, costumes, band vocals, and musicality simply could not overcome the pain and distortion of laryngitis and the exhaustion it creates.

There are touches of humour and warmth across the performer interactions on stage, and clearly a lot of support for Kombou. However, judging from the disappointment and departure of many of the audience, and a foyer of Dominion staff offering alternate nights or refunds, this is a show that should not have gone on. It is hoped that Kombou is able to rest and recover and return to the stage to give more of the strong Elvis performances for which he is renowned.

You can read an earlier Everything Theatre review of the show here.

Directed & Produced by: David Mackay

The Elvis Years has concluded its run at the Dominion Theatre.