A bit of rock ‘n’ roll comes to the Edinburgh Fringe this month with ETA (Elvis Tribute Act) Mike McAlpine making the trip for A Slice of Elvis.
We are invited to join McAlpine on “his fretful, compulsive, and hilarious escapades” on the international tribute citcuit. So get all shook up – it’s now or never!
Where: Laughing Horse @ Eastside – Karaoke Room
When: 3-14, 16-27 Aug at 7.30pm
Ticket link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/slice-of-elvis
What’s the best thing about being part of Fringe?
Meeting like-minded creatives and having the opportunity to perform to willing and excited audiences for an extended period at the same venue.
Once in Edinburgh, you have the chance to soak up the atmosphere and go to any number of different shows each day. Really great!
For me, too, it’s returning to the UK, getting back to my roots, and soaking up the British culture. I have lived in Germany for many years.
There are many, many Elvis tribute acts! What is the appeal all these years after the death of the King?
In my mind, Elvis has never been bettered in terms of all-round ability and electricity in a performance. As an entertainer, he had it all.
I am rarely excited by an artist’s performance and Elvis had it in spades. The real king of rock ‘n’ roll!
Fortunately, there is plenty of good quality film coverage of Elvis’ iconic performances available, just waiting for new generations to discover and enjoy. The interest is justified, I feel.
What can audiences expect who come along to A Slice of Elvis?
They can expect an authentic representation of my own thoughts and feelings on being an ETA (Elvis Tribute Artist), including song and the occasional Elvis impersonation but also my own silly view of Elvis Tribute conventions and tribute contests, including impressions, accents, dialogue and character portrayal.
This includes fictitious characters, such as those competing at a contest in the North of England but also some in the public eye, including King Charles, his parents, Trump, Biden, and Johnson.
Do you have a favourite Elvis performance, and do you imitate it in your own act?
I do not have any single favourite Elvis performance. I do, however, have a shortlist, including the Vegas concert documentary, “That’s The Way It Is”, featuring Elvis’ return to the stage in 1969 after years in the movies but also The ’68 Comeback Special.
Also the young Elvis, with quite different moves, before his stage performance was heavily influenced by karate, is raw and exciting, to be seen in 50s tv appearances featuring the likes of “Hound Dog”, “Jailhouse Rock” and “Heartbreak Hotel”. Magically electrifying!
I do hope you include the laughing version of “Are You Lonesome Tonight” – do you?
Sorry, Louise, I don’t. It cracks most people up, I agree, me included and there’s still a chance I might use it as my intro music whilst audience are entering the venue. Thanks for the suggestion!