Elvis The Musical, Tracey Ullman and Me.... by Jason Earley

June 1978, Elvis has been dead almost a year. My father knowing that I am a big Elvis fan, announces that he is taking me to see 'Elvis The Musical' for a Birthday treat on the 10th of June, when I will be 14 years of age. Excited, I buy a copy of the London Evening Standard newspaper, when I notice it is running an article on the show because it has won three best musical awards.

The show is based at the Astoria Theatre, Tottenham Court Road, West End of London, UK. It has been written by Jack Good, famous in Britain for his 60's show 'Oh Boy' starring amongst others Cliff Richard.

The show has Tim Whitnall cast as the Young Elvis, a 16 year old newcomer, that up until getting this role worked in Boot's the chemist as a general assistant. (In 1996 joins a new version of the show at the Prince of Wales theatre Piccadilly, as the Middle Elvis).

Welsh Born Shakin' Steven's, is the Middle Elvis, Originally, popular with the British Rockabilly scene in the band 'Shakin' Steven's and the Sunsets. He got the nickname Shakin' when his act of gyrating more so even than Elvis got him news coverage. (Now semi-retired after a very successful recording career in the UK and Europe, having hits with remakes of songs such as, This old House, Hot-dog, What do you wanna make them eyes at me for? Etc. on the Epic record label.)

The Older Elvis was set just before the weight problem (1970-72). For a number of performance's the older Elvis was play by P.J. Proby sixties pop star, a reported friend of Elvis. Coming from a similar background, he had a big hit with the song 'Hold Me'. Due to reported drinking problems, he missed a number of performances and Sean Simon stepped in to take the role. Mr Proby was later sacked but returned to the role in 1996. By June, the role was taken by Bogdan Kominowski, known in Australia and New Zealand as Lee Grant. He had a number of hits, originally from Poland. On arrival in Britain he reverted to his family name. He later was seen in the Bond film 'A View To A Kill' and 'Gulag' also in the later series of the UK Comedy sx@®

Then there was the Backing, as well as the show musicians that were fantastic, The group 'Fumble' lead by Des Henley contributed to the story of the show and most of the musical numbers. The girls as you know featured Tracey Ullman.

Over the years I have noticed a number of the other cast in TV, Theatre, and films.

After this first time of going to the show I got quite star struck. I saw the show at the Astoria 26 times, with a further 8 visits to various tours over the years with different casts. If anybody can contact me about any cast member or the show that would be great.

Jason Earley (jearley@ntlworld.com)