Review: MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, King's Theatre, Glasgow, 14 November 2016

On 4 December 1956, record executive Sam Phillips brought together four of the biggest names in rock 'n' roll for one night only. At the time, his small studio Sun Records had just sold Elvis Presley to Columbia in order to keep the label in business, and he calls his other signings - Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis - to the studio for the evening.

Million Dollar Quartet has Jason Donovan as the big name to draw in audiences, and he is excellent in the role of label boss Sam Phillips. While the show is very much about the musicians, Donovan really brings to life the passion and dedication Phillips put into his business. The cast has definitely been picked for their musical talent and are exceptional performers - having them play their own instruments is a brilliant touch. While all are excellent, Martin Kaye stands out as the overly excitable and arrogant Jerry Lee Lewis and Robbie Durham has a fantastic vocal likeness to Johnny Cash.

Million Dollar Quartet gives some interesting insight into the music industry and a bit of history about each of the musicians. Many might not realise that Carl Perkins was the writer of "Blue Suede Shoes", or know about some of the personal tragedies that these artists faced.

Each musician is given their own stage time to showcase their skills and we are treated to the likes of "Hound Dog", "Great Balls of Fire", "Ghost Riders In The Sky" and "Blue Suede Shoes". Million Dollar Quartet is a production of the highest quality. While the track list might suggest this is just another jukebox musical, the show feels as though it has been crafted with a little more care than most.

Million Dollar Quartet runs at the King's Theatre until Saturday 19 November.

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