Million Dollar Quartet
The Arts at Marble Arch
Until December 6th 2026
Million Dollar Quartet Rocks the West End
Johnny Cash. Carl Perkins. Jerry Lee Lewis. Elvis Presley.
On December 4th, 1956, Sam Phillips brought these four rock n’ roll icons together at Sun Records to make music history. Now, London audiences have the chance to be in the room where it happened at The Arts at Marble Arch’s production of Million Dollar Quartet. Originally written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux and currently directed by Johnathan O’Boyle, this jukebox musical brings iconic hits like “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Great Balls of Fire”, and “Hound Dog” back to the stage.
Guiding us through the show is industry legend Sam Phillips, played by Darren Day. Day’s narration provides the production with a framework, filling in backstory and explaining his relationships to each musician. The delivery is entertaining, but a bit drawn-out, particularly when the story is being explained to us rather than acted out onstage. In truth, Million Dollar Quartet is far more concert than musical, with its thin narration providing just enough context to move us from one hit to the next. Fortunately, the music and performances are so fun that the lack of a fully developed plot is easily forgivable.
Making up the quartet is Christopher Erasmus as Johnny Cash, Joey Bradick as Carl Perkins, Joe Bence as Jerry Lee Lewis, and Connor Payne as Elvis Presley. All four men deliver energizing vocals and incredible live instrumentals. They each embody the essence of their characters and bring a commanding presence to the stage. However, Bence as Jerry Lee Lewis is on another level entirely. His cocky but effervescent charm is scene-stealing, and his command over the piano keys is equally impressive.
Joining the boys onstage is Jenay Naima as Elvis’s girlfriend Dyanne. Though not a part of the official quartet, Naima gets a few songs of her own including the showstopping “I Hear You Knockin’.” Her powerhouse vocals and energetic persona bring a vibrant and charismatic presence to the studio.
The recording room has been brought to life by costume and set designer Libby Watson. Watson’s design is a natural extension of the music. The use of warm colors and wall decor create an immersive work space that captures the cozy, lived-in atmosphere of a 1950s music studio.
This combination of a lively cast, impressive musicianship, and atmospheric design makes this show feel like a living piece of rock ’n’ roll history. By the end, it is a full-fledged concert, with audience members encouraged to get on their feet and clap along to an encore of performances from each star. While the production’s loose narrative leaves something to be desired, the talent of the cast and the mix of classic hits make it hard not to be swept up in the fun.
If you’re a rock n’ roll fan, this is the show for you! Million Dollar Quartet is playing at The Arts at Marble Arch until December 6th, before embarking on a UK tour.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewer: Jordyn Murray