Elvis alive, kicking and in Trouble in Newbury
With the release of the Elvis Movie by Baz Luhrmann, the Elvis Tribute environment has seen a rise in demand. While the movie brings to light some of the behind-the-scene issues that plagued Elvis’ career, it is hard to ignore the excitement and entertainment he brought to the world. One such Elvis tribute act is local band Elvis in Trouble, with Darren Boyce as The King himself.
Since the inception of the band more than seven years ago, there have been many changes, but one constant is Darren Boyce, Newbury’s local Elvis tribute act.
After a huge weight-loss programme, vocal coaching, dance lessons and a rigorous gym regime to represent Elvis as Darren wanted to, the band has performed their show in a wide range of venues and size of audiences.
From two-piece acoustic sessions performing at care homes, a 12-piece band at festivals and theatres to thousands of people, the shows are always delivered with passion and authenticity from the moment the intro music starts.
Darren, as the lead performer, prides himself on performing with a live band as he sees the whole image of Elvis as a show, with the dynamics of the band truly bringing the ‘Elvis experience’ to life. With the moves, the southern drawl and the tone of the voice, people go again and again to see Elvis In Trouble.
The two last performances have been a demonstration of the diversity of the clients and needs that the band see. A wedding where Darren married the couple and then the band performed the show in the evening was, says Darren “an amazing event for all involved”. Wearing the peacock suit, glasses and silk scarf, he sang the Hawaiian wedding song as the bride walked down the aisle.
The most recent performance was at The Langham Hotel in London, where the band were on stage as an 11-piece group comprising a drummer, lead guitarist, bass player, keyboard player, three backing vocalists and a three brass section consisting of a trombone, trumpet and saxophone.
In addition, and in order to complete the illusion, there were also four Vegas dancers and an authentic Las Vegas sign that brought the whole experience to life.
The experience is based on a cabaret show where everyone takes a seat for dinner and enjoys a two-set show, climaxing in the infamous Vegas and white jumpsuit era.
Darren said: “The journey so far has been amazing for me. From singing karaoke and wanting to be Joseph with his technicolor dream coat, I am now at the front of an amazingly talented band being the most recognised artist of all time.
“It is nerve-jingling, but once the suit goes on, the music starts and the audience welcomes you on, there is only one thing to do, perform and that is always our approach.
“We have had amazing feedback and performed from Cornwall to London and the reaction is always the same.
“All I want to say to all those that have supported us is ‘Thank you very much Ladies and Gentlemen’.”
If you would like to experience the show and enjoy a festive evening with Elvis In Trouble, they are performing their Christmas Special on Friday, December 16, and Saturday, December 17, at The Deanwood Conference Centre (7.30pm).
Go to www.Elvisintrouble.com/Event/ or email boyce121@gmail.com for more information
