Hail Hail Rock ’N’ Roll
We talk to Gavin Skelhorn, the producer and director at PNP Events, who reveals all about a rockin’ new stage show
How did the Hail Hail Rock ’N’ Roll show come about? Has it been a longgestating project?
I’ve been thinking about a ‘rootsy’-type show for a long time. One that highlights, essentially, the early rumblings of rock’n’roll where the audience is immersed within a setting, which transports them back to the most exciting time of this explosive music.
Tell us about the fictional venue where the show is set, the Red Top Sugar Shack... Most of the icons we love played these kind of run-down music venues, which used to be barns and agricultural workplaces, so it was important to me to have this represented in the show with the Red Top Sugar Shack. The atmosphere, dust and energy that these places generated is an important part of the story of the performers who shaped rock’n’roll.
For its cast, you’re mixing new talent with seasoned West End performers... Yes, although I would rather say ‘performers who have played in the West End’ because everyone involved in this show fundamentally understands and lives this music and lifestyle. It is not a showcase for kids who have just left drama school. There are performers here who are established and respected on the rocking scene, and festival scenes and also the likes of Jesse Taylor, playing the young Elvis, who’s not had much experience at all but we recognised a bright, new talent.
The production covers such a wide range of artists. Who is featured and how do you go about pruning down their back catalogues to put together a setlist? Firstly, the Red Top Sugar Shack host is a dynamic lady named Sister Suzie. She will be representing the innovative female artists of the era and will blow folk away with her performances. I really wanted to feature a female lead, as they are usually very under-represented in these kinds of shows. We also have the aforementioned Jesse Taylor as the young Elvis and Chad Strentz as a very accurate and entertaining Chuck Berry. The show also features the incredibly talented Cody Lee as Jerry Lee Lewis and the powerhouse – and immensely respected – performer that is Richard Atkins as the older Elvis. John O’Malley is our sensational lead guitarist, Lloyd McSweeney is the heart of the music on drums, Martin Taylor is the ‘solid slapper’ on double bass and bass, while Richard Gibson is frighteningly good on keys. In terms of the setlist, my rule is to keep everything as true to the feeling of the show as possible. Whatever songs are played, the aim is to engage the audience with the most authentic playlist possible – and trust me when I say that this cast and band are extremely specific when it comes to ‘being real’.
Are you going for a greatest hits selection or can audiences expect deep cuts, too? We have lots of big hits in the show. However, I also wanted to include songs from Big Mama Thornton, Wanda Jackson and LaVern Baker. We are avoiding any ‘cheese’ in this show! Sister Suzie is a little dynamo, bubbly, and she engages with audiences amazingly. Her vocals are second to none.
VR readers will no doubt love the fact that there are two incarnations of Elvis in the show. Can you explain more…
It was important to show two aspects of Elvis to emphasise where he came from and what he developed into. The shack will be transformed into the Vegas Strip in the second act. People are going to love it. Richard Atkins is hugely respectful in his performance to the King, having played all over the globe.
“We have lots of hits in the show. However, I also wanted to include songs from Big Mama Thornton, Wanda Jackson and LaVern Baker.” GAVIN SKELHORN
You premiere the show in Middlesex in January 2024. What plans do you have for it after that?
Yes, we are showcasing the show at The Beck Theatre in Hayes on 13 January. Following on from that we are currently compiling a UK tour, as well as shows in Europe and the United States. ✶
• For more details, visit the website at hailhailrocknrollshow.com