Memphis
was everything I expected and more! Beverley Knight leads a cast of the most
amazing vocals I ever heard in a West End show. Set in 1950’s Memphis, Felicia
(Knight) is a black singer spotted by white DJ Huey (Killian Donnelly) who’s
looking to shake up the music currently being played on local radio stations.
While helping Felicia to her first recording and to fame, the pair fall in love but
black and white relationships aren’t the norm and they are met with hostility. They also face disapproval from those opposing the effect that 'black' music is having on the youth as they join in the provocative dancing. Knight’s acting abilities in no way match her vocal prowess but it doesn’t detract
from the fast paced, exciting performance.
I
was seated in the very front row and we were all on our feet singing and
dancing by the end of the show, feeling sorry for those behind us who couldn’t
quite ‘release’ themselves as they would have liked.
Memphis can be seen @ Shaftesbury Theatre until 31st October
