A little (more) conversation with Sian Reeves

Image Source: Chronicle Live

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Empire Theatre

Throughout the week, Love Me Tender, the brand new musical featuring the hits of Elvis Presley as its soundtrack, has left the Liverpool Empire and thousands of attendees All Shook Up. As the show continues its Merseyside run, I spoke to one of the stars of the production, Sian Reeves (who plays the character of Mayor Matilda Hyde), where she discussed her contribution to Love Me Tender, and compared it to other experiences throughout her varied career …

First of all, can you tell us about the story of Love Me Tender, and of your role as Mayor Matilda Hyde?

The story is about a small town in the middle of nowhere in America. I play Mayor Matilda Hyde, and she runs the town with a firm hand: she doesn’t allow tight pants, public kissing, loud music etc. But then this guy comes to the town who's a bit of a nod to Elvis, who shakes us all up, who makes the jukebox work again, and who gets everybody wearing blue suede shoes. I oppose him all the way, until near the end when I have a meltdown to (the tune of) The Devil In Disguise!

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Love Me Tender

Image Source: Love Me Tender

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Format: Musical
Genre: Comedy
Date: August 10 2015
Location: Liverpool Empire Theatre

Any show which promises the music of Elvis Presley is bound to be a fun presentation. However, whilst Love Me Tender does indeed base its musical score on many of the King's greatest hits, the story itself is less about Graceland's finest and more about the subject of love and how a number of aspiring relationships stem out of just "One Night".

Love Me Tender, a new show which was first shown on Broadway, sees the lead character Chad (Ben Lewis) leave jail after "exciting" the ladies in that town, only for him to move onto the next place with the same intentions in mind (we aren't told which towns they are, by the way). Clad in a biker vest and jeans, he is clearly positioned as the star of the show, at least in terms of his profile within the story.

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Mica Paris to star as Sylvia in Love Me Tender

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Empire Theatre

Adam Spiegel Productions, Robert G. Bartner and the Ambassador Theatre Group are delighted to announce that award-winning singer and platinum selling artist Mica Paris will star as ‘Sylvia’ in the UK and Ireland tour of Love Me Tender, the new musical inspired by and featuring the music of Elvis Presley.

Producer Adam Spiegel commented: “I’m a huge fan of Mica Paris, and as soon as I heard her audition, I knew she was perfect for the role of Sylvia.

“Her incredible, powerful voice and presence does true justice to the greatest hits of the one and only King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley”.

Mica Paris is one of the UK’s most respected female singers with a career of Top 10 hit singles and albums worldwide; the range, power and beauty of Mica Paris' singing made an immediate impact on the UK music scene in 1988 when she released her debut, platinum-selling album, 'So Good’ from which she had her first top ten hit, 'My One Temptation', and more worldwide hit albums and singles followed including 'Black Angel', 'Stay' and 'Carefree’.

An incredible live performer worldwide, Mica has collaborated with, and been a special guest for, many respected artists including Prince, Michael Bolton, Dionne Warwick, Paul Rodgers, David Gilmour and Jools Holland.

Mica has also turned her talents to the stage, appearing in the West End productions of ‘Mama I Want To Sing’, ‘The Vagina Monologues’ and ‘Sweet Lorraine’ as well as a sell-out residency at Ronnie Scott's Club.

Her TV credits including being a regular host on BBC1’s ‘What Not to Wear’ and an expert judge on ‘Gok Wan’s Miss Naked Beauty’ for Channel 4.

Mica has also presented the Radio 2 programme ‘Soul Solutions’, which is enjoyed by over a million listeners and is one of the most successful soul and R&B shows in the UK.

From the producers of Hairspray, Jersey Boys and West Side Story, Love Me Tender is a hilarious feel-good musical featuring Elvis Presley’s greatest hits. In a small town in 1950s America, a guitar-playing, hip-swivelling stranger rides his motorbike into town. Is he The Devil in Disguise or a Hound Dog in his Blue Suede Shoes? The townsfolk are about to be All Shook Up and could be headed for Heartbreak Hotel, but for Natalie, the love-struck, tomboy mechanic, it really is Now or Never.

Packed with 25 of the best loved songs by The King himself, and written by the writer of the award-wining West End and Broadway smash hit Memphis, Love Me Tender is a funny and moving tale of hope, second chances and the healing qualities of Rock 'n' Roll.

Love Me Tender is written by Tony Award Winner Joe DiPietro (Memphis) and is directed and choreographed by Olivier Award Winner Karen Bruce (Saturday Night Fever, Dance ’Til Dawn, Pacific Overtures), with set design by award-nominated Morgan Large (Flashdance, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof), Lighting Design by James Whiteside (Never Forget, Footloose) Costume Design by Vicky Gill (Dance ‘Til Dawn, Strictly Come Dancing) and Casting by James Orange (The Producers, Sweeney Todd).

Love Me Tender runs in the Liverpool Empire Theatre from Monday August 10-Saturday August 15. For ticket information, click here.

You can learn more about Love Me Tender by clicking here.