The New Venture Players put their unmistakeable stamp on their latest production, All Shook Up, a musical comedy written by Joe Dipietro around some of Elvis’ greatest hits.

As with all these crossover ‘chart hit first, plot later’ musicals, the storyline is fairly weak which in this instance, only adds to the fun, as this talented cast knowingly tip the audience a wink before launching in to each huge number.

Roustabout, Chad, played triumphantly by Ben Hurley, rides into a dreary mid-west, 50’s town where fun has been outlawed. He’s just been released from prison...cue, no holds barred ‘Jailhouse Rock’ intro... and looking for excitement.

Predictably, all the men in the town want to be like him, and all the women want to be with him, which opens the door for some memorable, tongue-in cheek performances from this extremely well-rehearsed cast.

Georgia Tasker-Davies plays a confident and sultry museum curator, Miss Sandra, whilst Meg Postle and Rob Jones are perfectly paired as teenaged lovers Lorraine and Dean, showing empathy with big numbers, Love Me Tender and If I Can Dream. Alex Reynolds stands out in a poignant performance as Natalie as does Jess Jones as Sylvia.

Not to be out-done by the females in the cast, Alex McDonagh is a revelation in a sympathetic portrayal of side-kick Dennis as is Huw Brettell, who makes his debut with a memorable portrayal of widower Jim.

The humour is deliciously provided by Deb Postle in her well-characterised, cleverly under-stated role as the Mayor of the town, Matilda Hyde, who eventually succumbs to the magic of romance and acknowledges the power of rock n roll...cue reprise...’Burning Love’.

Great fun. The production runs until Saturday.