SPOTLIGHT: Adver's top stage shows this week

CELEBRATING 10 years on the road this year, The Elvis Years is an outstanding musical production which brings to the stage the incredible and compelling story of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley.

With a top line-up of actor-musicians, multiple costume changes and nostalgic film footage, this glittering two-hour production charts the musical and emotional highs and lows of Elvis’ amazing journey from poor truck-driving teenager from Tupelo, Mississippi through the army, Hollywood and finally the legendary Las Vegas concerts.

Directed by top record producer David Mackay (Dusty Springfield, Cliff Richard, Bonnie Tyler, New Seekers), the lead role is perfectly portrayed by Mario Kombou (from West End production Jailhouse Rock), who is officially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises and Elvis’ first cousin Donna Presley.

This feelgood show will instantly transport you back to the golden years of rock’n’roll, as you witness Elvis audition for the very first time at Sun Studios, then become part of the TV audience for the ‘68 Comeback Special, and finally dance in the aisles at a Las Vegas concert as Mario recreates with incredible accuracy the charisma, stage presence and humour of the man himself - you may even get your hands on a scarf!

Taking in all the biggest hits including Always On My Mind, (recently voted the UKs all-time favourite Elvis song), That’s Alright Mama, All Shook Up, Blue Suede Shoes, Suspicious Minds, American Trilogy as well as Hollywood favourites Bossa Nova Baby and Viva Las Vegas, you will leave the building on cloud 9!

Tickets are £24.50 from 01793 524481 or visit swindontheatres.co.uk.

The Elvis Years is at the Wyvern at 7.30pm on Thursday, July 13.

Comedians hit the stage

THE Wyvern Comedy Club will bring a sell-out, gag-fuelled evening of comedy fun In The Place on Saturday.

Featuring the comedy nonsense of Patrick Monahan and comedic choirboy (yes, really) Lloyd Griffith, the show will be compered by the wickedly funny Sally-Anne Hayward.

Patrick Monahan is winner of ITV’s Show Me The Funny. This half-Iranian, half-Middlesborough comic is a rising star on the comedy circuit.

A natural-born performer, he exudes charisma from the stage (and often off it, when he scuttles into the crowd...!) Lloyd Griffith is a comedian and professional choirboy. He took his debut solo show to Edinburgh fringe festival in 2014 to rave reviews.

In 2014 he appeared on BBC3’s Sweat The Small Stuff, BBC Radio 1s Live Lounge Comedy Club as well as supporting Rob Beckett on his 2013-2014 sold out UK tour.

In 2015 Lloyd appeared on RTE’s Hey Ho Let’s Go and later in the year Lloyd took his second show Great Grimsby’s Big Turn On to Edinburgh, again, to rave reviews.

Over the last year, Lloyd has written and produced a number of football videos.

Sally-Anne Hayward is charming and popular, with a winning brand of autobiographical humour. She’ll take you on a journey through her slightly eccentric world, including insights into the female psyche and her compulsion to send off spoof job applications.

This Saturday’s Comedy Club is sold out, but tickets are still available for the next one on Friday, September 29. Tickets are £10 from 01793 524481 or visit swindontheatres.co.uk.

Let’s take a trip to a magical kingdom

FROM the makers of Peppa Pig comes Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom, a BAFTA award-winning television animation - and now you have the chance to see it live on stage.

Holly is a young Fairy Princess, who is still learning how to fly and her magic doesn’t always go quite according to plan.

Her best friend, Ben the Elf, doesn’t have wings and he doesn’t do magic, but he runs very fast and flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird.

They live in the Little Kingdom, a tiny land where flowers and grass rise high above them and every day is an adventure.

Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting, enchanting and magical musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family.

Entertainment One’s (eOne) Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom hails from the award-winning animation studio Astley Baker Davies, creators of the global preschool phenomenon Peppa Pig.  Currently a top rated show for pre-schoolers Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom airs daily on Nick Jr and on 5’s Milkshake and has picked up numerous accolades including a BAFTA award, British Animation Award and an Emmy Award.

Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom is at the Wyvern this Saturday at 1pm and 4pm and Sunday at 10am and 1pm.

Tickets are £17 to £19, with family deals and discounts available. To book, call 01793 524481 or visit swindontheatres.co.uk.