The cast are all outstanding musicians and singers and all have a hint of the revered musicians' good looks

There was much excitement at the Noel Coward on Thursday night. I was welcomed to the auditorium by boogying ushers with ear to ear smiles.

Charles Isherwood of the New York Times aptly writes "Those teeming hordes of the middle-aged wandering without purpose in the theater district, having seen 'Jersey Boys' for the 27th time and been forbidden a 28th by their addiction therapists, can come to rest at last".

The same is true for the West End. The predominately grey-haired audience nodded decorously in time to the beat of this new jukebox musical. The nodding got progressively more enthusiastic until the glittery encore when the audience lost their seatbelts (well, except for a few cringing wives) and leapt to their feet to twist and shake. You don't have lived through the 50s to enjoy Million Dollar Quartet, it's a musical with enough energy and charisma to thrill all.

Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux have transformed the most glorified jam session in recording history into a story. Million Dollar Quartet takes an intimate look not only into the lives of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, four of the most renowned musicians in history, but the beginning of rock 'n' roll music and the man who gave it to the world, Sam Phillips.

The vitality of the music far outshines the storyline. You'll be oh so pleased to be lead down memory lane by favorites like 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Great Balls of Fire', 'Folsom Prison Blues' and 'Hound Dog'. Million Dollar Quartet waves its magic wand in the beautiful renditions of 'Down by the Riverside' and 'Peace in the Valley'. Most of Million Dollar Quartet's tunes didn't feature at the impromptu gig on December 4th 1956. It's in the spirituals, which did feature in the actual event, where Million Dollar Quartet waves its magic wand. The beautiful renditions of 'Down by the Riverside' and 'Peace in the Valley', were the tonic for the musician's troubles and will make your soul dance and soar.

The cast are all outstanding musicians and singers and all have a hint of the revered musicians' good looks. The four actors are staggeringly good musicians and slip into the shoes of Elvis, Johnny, Carl and Jerry with extraordinary ease. The rollicking Jerry Lee Lewis (Ben Goddard) with "brains in his fingers'" is a piano-thumping wild man and a firm favourite. Dyanne (Francesca Jackson), an invented character gives a riveting rendition of 'Fever' and 'I Hear You Knocking'.

Don't miss your chance to hear a taste of rock 'n' roll heaven!

Review Date: 17th February 2011

View our show pages for more information about Million Dollar Quartet, Noel Coward Theatre.