Students are sure to shake up Shrewsbury with their Elvis musical

Shrewsbury Colleges Group students will dazzle audiences for three nights as they perform the hip-swivelling musical comedy, All Shook Up.

Students from all three campuses have been working hard at rehearsals to get ready for their performance at Wakeman Hall next week. The musical, which is narrated using a catalogue of Elvis Presley songs, will be performed from March 20 to 22 (Tues to Thurs).

The technical support and scoring will also be provided by the students, with 14 of them making up the live orchestra. One current student and two former students will also be helping with the sound and lighting, and Performing Arts Student, Olivia Stone, from Shrewsbury, is taking on the mammoth task of stage manager, memorising every cue and line to make sure the performances run smoothly. 

All Shook Up is a 1950s twist on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. It tells the story of the love and laughter that ensues for a small town girl and her fellow townsfolk when a motorcycle-riding, hip-thrusting, guitar-playing stud drives into town. Throughout the musical 24 classic Elvis Presley songs including ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, ‘Love Me Tender’, ‘Don’t Be Cruel’, ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ and of course the title tune form the backbone of this love and laughter filled story. The singing, dancing and performing from students is sure to create the perfect evening for all the family.

Andy Pierce, Performing Arts Teacher, said: “This is a classic story told with familiar tunes and an evening full of brilliant entertainment. The students have worked really hard for the past few months. Each role is important and they have all done so well. Olivia should definitely look at stage management as a career path.”

A Level student Will Witt, 17, from Shifnal, who is playing Dennis, one of the lead roles, said: “I’m really enjoying everything so far and can’t wait to perform for the public. It is a great cast and team working together. There is a professional atmosphere, which sets you up for what it would be like in the West End. Taking part in the drama performance at College builds your confidence and helps with your personal statement or CV later on.”

The performances will be at the English Bridge Campus from 20-22 March at 7.30 pm. Adult tickets are £8 and it’s £5 for a concession, which you can buy at http://shrews.co/boxoffice

For more information on A Levels, visit www.ssfc.ac.uk or call 01743 235491. For more information about vocational courses and Apprenticeships call 01743 342342. Or come to the Advice Event on 22 March at London Road, between 5- 7.