Latest news with #ElvisEvolution
Time Out
35 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Why has London's new immersive Elvis Presley show been so controversial – and is it really that bad?
As Time Out's theatre editor I tend to be responsible for most of our immersive coverage as well, but I wasn't able to make the big opening night for London's long gestating new Elvis Presley experience Elvis Evolution. So rather than see it with celebrities or invited guests, I ended up joining one of the first public performances of the show. I didn't go in with any particular expectations of what it would involve and personally I had a decent time, with some reservations. But I thought the first half was perfectly enjoyable: slick, reasonably informative, and I didn't have any problem with it focussing on Elvis's childhood best friend Sam Bell as a way to take a different look at The King. 🎤 The official Time Out review of Elvis Evolution. The focus of the second half is Elvis's legendary 1968 comeback TV special. Stood milling around waiting for the 'live performance', it was here that I first realised a portion of the audience was on the cusp of mutiny: a lot of them clearly hadn't enjoyed the first half, and were muttering to each other that they were hoping for something spectacular from the concert section, with at least two groups in my earshot referencing the blockbuster ABBA Voyage concert experience in Stratford. Elvis Evolution is in fact nothing like ABBA Voyage, or not much like it: we get a trio of live musicians playing along to highlights of the 1968 TV special, which have apparently been sharpened up digitally for the big screen but basically look like a blown up version of something you could easily watch on YouTube. Some of my fellow audience members were not happy. Some booed. Some left early. Many did look like they were having a good time – the '68 special is a really good performance – but it is rare to hear what I might call a theatre audience so audibly disgruntled. Fast forward a couple of days and disillusioned attendees of Elvis Evolution are making headlines on the BBC website and in the tabloids and the show is in real danger of getting framed as an unmitigated disaster. But is that fair? Let's dig in a bit. Were audiences promised an ABBA Voyage -style concert experience? To be clear, there was never going to be an ABBA Voyage -style Elvis experience. That show requires a special dedicated concert arena, millions of pounds of tech development, and moreover the enthusiastic participation of ABBA themselves, who are all still alive. Elvis famously left the building decades ago. But just because an ABBA Voyage -alike experience was unlikely doesn't mean audiences didn't expect one. When the show was announced way back in January 2024, 'holographic projections' were promised (in practise this almost always means a Victorian illusion called Pepper's Ghost, as actual holographic projection doesn't really exist). In at least one interview Andrew McGuinness, founder of show creators Layered Reality used ABBA Voyage as a reference point ('it's a fusion of theatre, cinema and something like ABBA Voyage '). Although Layered Reality have been upfront about the fact there was no longer a holographic element and subsequent interviews sought to play down any similarities to ABBA Voyage, it's fair to say none of this had the cut through of the initial announcement. Perhaps more relevantly, it's probably true to say that ABBA Voyage has not only massively raised the bar for expectations of a concert experience from a defunct musical act, but it's virtually become the sole reference point. If ABBA Voyage didn't exist, I have a feeling Elvis Evolution would have got a much less rough ride. Is Elvis Evolution overpriced? Elvis Evolution starts at £75 a ticket. This doesn't stack up horribly against West End stalls prices, but it's a lot for a show that doesn't have anyone famous in it and leans heavily on pre-recorded sections. It was clearly pretty expensive to develop and has a good number of actors and musicians per performance, so £20 fringe type prices are clearly a pipe dream, but it would probably take the edge off people's complaints if tickets were around half what they are now, though it's impossible for me to say whether that's financially viable or not. It's very difficult to look at the VIP packages and conclude that they're good value: both the £180 Burning Love package and £300 If I Can Dream package offer little more than around £40 worth of cocktails, a bit of reserved seating, and a few miscellaneous souvenir bits. Having three different bar venues seems excessive and suggests that extracting further money from ticket holders is a central part of the show's business model. And as a sidenote, if your audience is encouraged to be two cocktails down by the concert scene don't be surprised if they're a bit lairy. Is Elvis Evolution a bad show? In all honestly I thought it was a decent piece of immersive theatre. But I wasn't really coming at it from a 'massive Elvis fan' perspective. There have been some complaints about the first half focussing on the obscure character of Sam Bell. I don't think this was cynically done at all and was probably aiming to offer an interesting new perspective on Elvis, a figure whose biography everyone who buys a ticket will be well aware of already. Probably it would have gone down better if it had been a more straightforward hagiography. I should also say that the people booing were a minority and that the peak of disgruntlement came when it became apparent that the 'concert' would simply be the special: my audience seemed a lot happier by the end and had mostly enjoyed the band augmented playback of the special. Nonetheless, it's hard to imagine the current backlash will help Elvis Evolution, and some sort of rethink – if only of its marketing – is surely is order if it's to make to the end of its current December booking period.
Times
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Times
Fans demand refunds over cardboard cutouts at Elvis ‘hologram' show
It was the show that brought the Seventies back to life and gave the UK economy a £1.4 billion boost. But replicating the success of Abba Voyage, as it turns out, requires far more than just the promise of a few digital dancing queens — or kings. Paige Rannigan, 29, from Essex, spent more than £200 on tickets for the Elvis Evolution show at the ExCel Centre in London, expecting a 'life-sized digital Elvis'. She left feeling like she had been sold fool's gold. 'There were three musicians on the stage in front of the screen, acting as the musicians that were there in real life,' she said. 'But their instruments weren't plugged in and there was fake applause over the top. There were only about three songs on his '68 comeback video, but it was anything you could look up on YouTube or iPlayer.' Fans of the King of Rock and Roll were left reeling when a show that promised a 'life-sized digital Elvis performing iconic moments in musical history on a UK stage for the first time' delivered a completely different experience. Several who attended claimed the event was 'money-grabbing' and 'bizarre'. Layered Reality, the production company behind Elvis Evolution, had initially suggested that the 'brand new interactive experience' would involve cutting-edge AI and holographic imagery. Plans for the hologram were scrapped — along with any hopes of experiencing something on the scale of Abba Voyage. 'There were clips of Lilo and Stitch that had Elvis Presley and football fans singing Elvis songs,' Rannigan said. 'We had gone in with the expectation there was going to be a hologram. But it was completely not like that. It was really bizarre. We left completely bewildered. 'We were promised a live band at the after party. We didn't even get that, other than a DJ that played Blue Suede Shoes three times. We probably had a better time watching the '68 comeback at home.' Announced in January last year, Elvis Evolution takes the audience on a journey through Presley's life from his 'humble beginnings in Tupelo' to the 'iconic '68 special performance'. The 'immersive experience' is also described as including 'live theatre, multi-sensory technology and generative AI to bring the musical icon to life in an authentic tribute'. The audience is taken through Presley's youth before an interval, in the form of a Hawaii-themed bar with a cardboard cut-out of the star. Then they watch a version of his 1968 comeback special performance that was broadcast live on NBC. Opening on Friday for a six-month run, admission cost £75 for a standard ticket and £300 for a 'Super VIP' option, which includes mid-show champagne, a commemorative glass, dedicated seating, a drink at each of the three bars and access to the cloakroom. Daniel Deveraux Leclerc, who bought tickets, said: 'At the time of booking, the show was presented as an immersive tribute of significant technological and emotional depth. The experience that unfolded, however, bore little resemblance to what had been promised. Claims concerning holographic performance, innovative stagecraft and authentic homage to Elvis Presley were overstated. 'This is not simply a matter of personal dissatisfaction. It reflects a wider issue of consumer trust and editorial responsibility.' As criticism of the show intensified on Tuesday, Layered Reality said staff had eventually made the 'creative decision not to mimic Elvis's performances'. • Elvis Presley is back in the building as AI concert announced for London An Elvis Evolution spokesman said: 'We've been overwhelmed by the feedback, with many describing it as fun, immersive and unlike anything they've seen before. A small number of people have pointed out that they were expecting a hologram concert, due to the initial announcement made in January 2024. 'As with many complex productions that are two years in the making, the concept developed from those early stages, and this was made clear when tickets went on sale in October 2024. We ultimately took the creative decision not to mimic Elvis's performances. Those moments proved to be too iconic and irreplaceable. Instead, we use AI to upscale archive footage and in moments we know happened but where no footage existed, offering a new lens into his world. 'Elvis Evolution is not a traditional concert or hologram show. It's a major scale, theatrical experience priced competitively that invites audiences into the world of Elvis through immersive design, selective use of cutting-edge technology, live actors and musicians.' Layered Reality added: 'This is an experience where the story leads the technology, not the other way around. While we understand that expectations can be shaped by comparisons to other formats, we're incredibly proud of what's been created and how it's reconnecting people with Elvis in a bold and meaningful way. We can't wait for more audiences to step inside and experience it for themselves.' Several audience members have shared more positive reviews on social media, while others have also expressed their upset over the experience and demanded refunds. Meanwhile, Shanine Salmon said she purchased £6.50 preview tickets via Show Film First, which recruits audiences, but said she was expecting an interactive experience similar to the Tutankhamen exhibition. 'In the interval I heard tickets were £75 plus and the project cost £10 million,' she said. 'I think as well as speaking to fans there needs to be investigation where this money is going. There are clearly not enough staff, not enough actors and the technology isn't doing anything groundbreaking. It is not providing what it was promised. There is no way £300 ticket holders are getting value for money.' Britt Barnes White said that while she was disappointed by the lack of a hologram she had still 'loved every minute' of the 'I Can Dream' VIP package. Layered Reality has previously produced immersive experiences including The Gunpowder Plot and Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds. Elvis Evolution is set to run at ExCel London until December. When first announced, the show was due to move to Las Vegas, Berlin and Tokyo after London, but this has not been confirmed.
The Irish Sun
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Moment pensioner is dragged out of immersive Elvis Presley show by burly security guards after he called it ‘b*****ks'
THIS is the moment a pensioner was dragged out of an immersive Elvis Presley show by security - after allegedly calling it 'b*****ks'. Shocking video shows the elderly man being carried out of the building by his arms and legs as onlookers pleaded with four burly guards to leave him alone. 4 The pensioner was pushed to the floor by security guards Credit: supplied 4 He was dragged out after criticising the show Credit: Supplied The backpack-clad fan is thought to have travelled to the Elvis Evolution at Excel London with a coach trip on Sunday afternoon. Witnesses say he was asked to leave when he criticised the experience but refused - prompting security to throw him out. Laura Cadden, 42, who filmed the incident, told The Sun: 'People were talking and basically everybody was saying 'this is a load of rubbish'. 'The elderly gentleman then said 'this is b*****ks' - at which point they turned all the lights up and got the security from the Excel to come in. Read More "They asked him to leave, he said 'I'm not going anywhere at the moment, I'll leave in my good time'. 'So they pushed him onto his knees and four of them each took an arm or leg and dragged him out… 'He was just expressing his opinion about the show, which was absolutely valid, because it was dreadful.' Laura, who had travelled down from Most read in The Sun Guests were asked to leave and the subsequent shows were cancelled. They were told to contact organisers Layered Reality for a refund. It is the latest blow for the 'high-tech' performance, which promised a dazzling journey through the King of Rock and Roll's life when it opened earlier this month. Some attendees had been expecting cutting-edge holograms to rival the smash hit But furious audiences, who paid up to £300 each for VIP tickets, They compared it to last year's Elvis Evolution said its plans for a hologram concert announced in early 2024 were dropped during development - but insisted this was 'made clear when tickets went on sale'. Organisers said the elderly man was removed on Sunday for being 'verbally aggressive' towards staff. A spokesperson for Elvis Evolution said: 'A guest attending the event on Sunday night became verbally aggressive towards our staff. "Despite being politely asked to stop, the behaviour escalated, with the guest explicitly stating his intention to continue making threats towards our staff and performers. 'The on-site management team engaged promptly and professionally, requesting that the individual leave the venue. When he refused to comply, the security team were called to assist, and the individual was subsequently removed from the premises. 'While we regret any disruption caused to other guests, the safety and wellbeing of our staff, cast and visitors is our highest priority.' Excel London was approached for comment. 4 Organisers said the elderly man was removed on Sunday for being 'verbally aggressive' towards staff Credit: Supplied 4 Guests were asked to leave and the subsequent shows were cancelled Credit: Supplied
Scottish Sun
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Moment pensioner is dragged out of immersive Elvis Presley show by burly security guards after he called it ‘b*****ks'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THIS is the moment a pensioner was dragged out of an immersive Elvis Presley show by security - after allegedly calling it 'b*****ks'. Shocking video shows the elderly man being carried out of the building by his arms and legs as onlookers pleaded with four burly guards to leave him alone. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The pensioner was pushed to the floor by security guards Credit: supplied 4 He was dragged out after criticising the show Credit: Supplied The backpack-clad fan is thought to have travelled to the Elvis Evolution at Excel London with a coach trip on Sunday afternoon. Witnesses say he was asked to leave when he criticised the experience but refused - prompting security to throw him out. Laura Cadden, 42, who filmed the incident, told The Sun: 'People were talking and basically everybody was saying 'this is a load of rubbish'. 'The elderly gentleman then said 'this is b*****ks' - at which point they turned all the lights up and got the security from the Excel to come in. Read More SMASH HORROR Moment gang of robbers crash stolen Jaguar into cop car in head-on smash "They asked him to leave, he said 'I'm not going anywhere at the moment, I'll leave in my good time'. 'So they pushed him onto his knees and four of them each took an arm or leg and dragged him out… 'He was just expressing his opinion about the show, which was absolutely valid, because it was dreadful.' Laura, who had travelled down from Coventry with her husband Jason, said staff then told the other punters they could no longer continue because it was a 'security risk'. Guests were asked to leave and the subsequent shows were cancelled. They were told to contact organisers Layered Reality for a refund. It is the latest blow for the 'high-tech' performance, which promised a dazzling journey through the King of Rock and Roll's life when it opened earlier this month. Some attendees had been expecting cutting-edge holograms to rival the smash hit ABBA Voyage virtual gigs. But furious audiences, who paid up to £300 each for VIP tickets, say there was no 3D avatar - just an actor dancing in front of video clips of the icon. They compared it to last year's Willy Wonka experience flop in Glasgow. Elvis Evolution said its plans for a hologram concert announced in early 2024 were dropped during development - but insisted this was 'made clear when tickets went on sale'. Organisers said the elderly man was removed on Sunday for being 'verbally aggressive' towards staff. A spokesperson for Elvis Evolution said: 'A guest attending the event on Sunday night became verbally aggressive towards our staff. "Despite being politely asked to stop, the behaviour escalated, with the guest explicitly stating his intention to continue making threats towards our staff and performers. 'The on-site management team engaged promptly and professionally, requesting that the individual leave the venue. When he refused to comply, the security team were called to assist, and the individual was subsequently removed from the premises. 'While we regret any disruption caused to other guests, the safety and wellbeing of our staff, cast and visitors is our highest priority.' Excel London was approached for comment. 4 Organisers said the elderly man was removed on Sunday for being 'verbally aggressive' towards staff Credit: Supplied
The Independent
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Elvis fans demand refunds as new show dubbed a ‘shambles'
Audience members for the new " Elvis Evolution" immersive experience in London have expressed significant disappointment, labelling the show "misleading" and "a shambles from start to finish". Attendees, who paid between £75 and £300 for tickets, expected a holographic Elvis performance but instead saw upscaled video footage, leading to accusations of being "mis-sold". Many fans, including those who purchased "Super VIP" packages, felt exploited and compared the experience to a low-budget production, with some leaving early or demanding refunds. Layered Reality, the show's producer, said that the concept evolved from its initial announcement, with a creative decision made not to mimic Elvis's performances directly but to use AI on archive footage. The show, running at ExCel London until December 2025, has received mixed reviews from critics, ranging from one-star for being "limp" to three-stars for being "enjoyable once accepted".
