ROCKIN' on Heaven's Door is an established musical, back in Durham by popular demand. The show combines four tribute singers: Roy Orbison, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, and the King himself, Elvis Presley, all backed by a five piece band.

There is an inescapable feeling of a seaside outing, of pier-end entertainment; and this is strangely fitting. Old ladies become young again, progressively losing their inhibitions as the show goes on. First they sing along timidly, then sway in their seats, waving their arms and by the end, they dance in the aisles.

Well known songs from all four legends are performed with panache and lashings of kitsch: Peggy Sue, Crying, Three Steps to Heaven, plus many more. Retro-style coloured spotlights sweep the stage, adding to the atmosphere. The performers work hard to portray their heroes accurately; clothes, instruments and vocals are reproduced in exacting detail.

Elvis is kept back until the second half, and proves to be worth the wait. He emerges from the wings in a white, skin-tight tasselled cat suit: the house erupts, women scream. He moves through the audience, freely dispensing white scarves and kisses. A true professional, he even cruises the balcony. When he returns to the stalls, star-struck pensioners mob him.

Yet this show is not only aimed at those who experienced rock and roll the first time - daughters get up to dance beside their mothers, and everyone is smiling.

Published: 18/01/2005