Kings & Queen: A Star-Studded, Brilliant Night Out!

Dubbed ‘The Kings & Queen of Rock, Pop & Roll’, three of the most iconic and influential entertainers of popular music are celebrated in this fantastic show. As a team, we decided to go last week and check it out after hearing brilliant things being said on social media.

The show features three fantastic tribute acts; Elvis, Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson. The stars are supported by a team of really talented dancers.

The show is performed at the show bar on Central Pier. Decorated solely for the show, there are photos of the stars you’re about to see on every wall, and an enormous LCD screen playing really bright visuals.

The seating is cabaret-style and split level, so you get a great vantage point wherever you’re sat, and its layout allows you to socialise before the show and during the interval.

We decided to go ahead and visit the show on a Tuesday evening, thinking that it may well have been a bit quiet – we couldn’t have been more wrong!

Even for a Tuesday, there were plenty of revellers participating throughout by singing along and dancing in their seats. Each of the artists were really great at including the audience, and it made it that much more enjoyable.

The show opens with a short visual show, which that whilst we agreed it was a little unusual, it certainly triggered the anticipation of seeing the first star. All of a sudden, the room fills with smoke and Elvis swaggered through the door with his signature lip curl. We were delighted to hear that Clayton Mark who performs as Elvis was singing live and not lip-syncing!

All three acts are such consummate professionals that you instantly relax when you realise that it’s going to be really enjoyable. Elvis’ performances were all chronological, so we charted his journey to superstardom with his most beloved hits. Clayton Mark was born in New York, and his family moved over to Las Vegas when he was ten. It was at a family friend’s house that he met Elvis for the first time . . .

As he left the stage, the shadow of Michael Jackson appeared behind the stage screen to squeals of excitement (mostly ours). It’s difficult to capture MJ’s unique look, but Craig Harrison recreated the hair, make-up and outfits perfectly. His dancing was impeccable, and he sounded so much like the King of Pop. The performances were quite intense; you can tell that Craig takes his craft very seriously and loves his work! Craig started performing as Michael when he was just four, but made a decision to join the Armed Forces at seventeen, seeing service in Iraq in 2004. However, after four years of service, he decided to follow his dream!

After a few high-energy favourites, the eccentric and flamboyant genius of Freddie Mercury took to the stage. Queen’s frontman is portrayed by Kevin King, who has been playing piano since he was only six, and been playing in bands since being a teenager. Kevin’s voice was so strong, and his singing was consistently brilliant despite dancing up and down the stage.

Should you get peckish during the show, there are hotdogs and freshly-made popcorn, as well as sweets and savoury snacks to keep your energy levels up as you bop through the second half!

After an interval, all of the acts return to the stage to perform again, for even longer this time. In total, the show lasts about three hours and is fantastic value for money. With the artists performing for just a few minutes each at a time, you stay engaged with the whole show throughout.

All of the acts are very professional and clearly devoted to accurately representing the stars the acts they’ve taken on.

The staff at the venue are so welcoming and they really look after you throughout the duration of the show – you’ll also feel included by the acts.

If you want the full VIP experience, you’re welcome to meet all of the acts at the end of the show for free! They’ll all pose with you for a photo that will serve as a brilliant souvenir of your time here.
Dates and Times:

• Kings and Queen performances run Tuesday – Saturday from 21^st  June – 5^th November (as well as Sunday shows 24^th July – 30^th October.
• Doors open at 18:00 for prompt start at 19:30 (last admission is 19:15).

Prices:

• Adult: £16.50
• Child (6 – 14): £5.00
• Child (0-6): FREE
• Family Ticket (Two adults and two children): £40.00

To Purchase:

• Tickets can be purchased from the Central Pier Box Office, which is open on show nights and throughout the main season.
• On-line sales available from Ticketmaster (fees apply) – BOOK HERE