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Scottish Sun
6 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
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Baffled Elvis fans dub 'embarrassing' event the 'new Willy Wonka experience'
Fans have blasted Elvis Evolution in East London, claiming a cardboard cut-out of the rock 'n' roll legend on a surfboard was among the bizarre sights at the "really strange" event Elvis Presley fans were "all shook up" with anger as they compared an immersive AI event to the infamous Willy Wonka experience. Zoe Finch, 62, and sister Linzi Naldrett, 59, called the event at East London's Excel exhibition centre a cringe fest after being invited to a preview show. Elvis Evolution, which went live on July 18, promised to bring the King of Rock 'n' Roll back to life as a hip swivelling, lip curling hologram and transport fans through key moments of his life using cutting-edge digital technology, live actors and musicians. Organisers say the event has been a hit with Elvis lovers and it's not intended to be a traditional concert or hologram show, but a major scale production that "joyfully celebrates" the Heartbreak Hotel singer. But nurse Zoe said: "I'm a huge Elvis fan, I even have a tattoo so when Linzi said she had tickets, I couldn't wait to go. From the publicity they're putting out, they're making it sound revolutionary and amazing, but it really wasn't. It was just really strange." Zoe, who was in London visiting her family from Australia, said she was "super excited" when sister Linzi told her she had tickets for the event, which promised to relive his most iconic moments. Fans were told AI and holographic technology would breathe new life into decades old footage of his famous Comeback Special, which originally aired on tv in the US in 1968 and a year later on the BBC in the UK. It was the first time he had performed live after a seven-year period during which he focused on his film appearances. But Zoe and Linzi said the "bizarre" experience seemed to focus more on Elvis' childhood friend Sam Bell, who leads the audience through the story and is one of a cast of 28 characters played by four actors. They said that after starting the experience in a diner, they were "herded onto a train carriage" where they were blasted with dried ice before the cast began telling the story with "dodgy American accents". From there, they were transported into a cocktail bar for an unannounced interval where they were given half an hour to buy "extortionate" drinks before the main event, the recreating of the NBC studio gig. Zoe said: "The story was more about this supposed lost friend of Elvis, nothing they produced was new to me. If you're an Elvis fan, there's nothing in it that you've not seen before. Even the set at the end was just footage of the show which you couldn't see any way because of the three musicians stood on stage in front of it. Linzi, a carer from London, said there were parts of the experience that she suffered "second hand embarrassment for the actors" taking part. She had paid £75 for tickets originally, but was offered preview tickets after the show was delayed by months and said parts of it reminded her of the doomed Willy Wonka experience, which made global headlines in 2024. She told the Daily Star: "We were told we were 'going back to 1948' and all the parts were played by the same actors. I'm not sure where the AI immersive aspect came into it. We were taken to this Blue Hawaii cocktail bar, totally out of context, and it turned out it was an interval and you could buy cocktails at £15 a go. "The staff said you can have your picture with Elvis and it was a cardboard cut-out of him on a surfboard. It did remind me of 'the unknown' from the Willy Wonka event, but I think it was better overall than that, they'd put more effort into it." Linzi said she was also disappointed with the grand finale of the show, adding: "All it is is a projection on the back wall of the 1968 show, which you can buy on DVD or watch on iPlayer. "There was an afterparty at the 'All shook up' bar, but I just headed to the exit. I was shaken to the core, but for all the wrong reasons. We just went outside and looked at each other and said: 'What was that?' At one point, I just had second hand embarrassment for the actors dancing and there was a few young girls in tears of laughter at how awkward it all was." Not everyone was critical, however, as some social media influencers also invited to preview shows gave it glowing reviews. Photographer Charles Moriarty wrote: "If you love @elvis go check out @elvisevolution, which has just opened in London, congrats to all the folk behind the scenes on this. It's a great way to experience the man himself." Kirstine Spicer described it as: "A full-blown immersive show with live music, retro sets and a big dose of nostalgia. Walk through key moments of his life, with a cocktail pitstop at the Blue Hawaii, before ending the night with a proper boogie at the All Shook Up bar." A spokesperson for Elvis Evolution: 'Elvis Evolution has been praised by Elvis fans and newcomers alike — but it's not a traditional concert or hologram show. From the outset of development, we made a deliberate decision to explore the most powerful and authentic ways to tell Elvis' story. "This major scale production brings together a cast of 28 performers and over 300 skilled professionals across design, production, and visual effects. "Elvis Evolution is a multisensory experience, where technology plays a powerful supporting role — but the show doesn't attempt to recreate Elvis' performances. Instead, it joyfully celebrates the ones he gave us. We're incredibly proud of what's been created, and of how it's reconnecting people with Elvis in new and meaningful ways.'
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘High-tech' Elvis show SLAMMED by furious fans as they compare it to flop Willy Wonka experience
A 'HIGH-tech' Elvis Presley show has been blasted by fans who say it involved grainy video clips while an impersonator danced on stage. Some attendees were expecting cutting-edge holograms to rival the smash hit Advertisement 2 Elvis Evolution promised a dazzling journey through the King of Rock and Roll's life when it opened at the ExCel in East London this month 2 The King of Rock and Roll on stage in 1973 Credit: Getty But it has since been compared to Elvis Evolution promised a dazzling journey through the King of Rock and Roll's life when it opened at the ExCel in East London this month. However, disappointed punters who paid up to £300 for VIP tickets claim there was no 3D avatar — just an actor dancing in front of video clips of the icon. Chas Johnson, 48, said: 'The whole thing is lamentable. Advertisement Read More on Showbiz "But where it goes really wrong is where there was meant to be something akin to Abba Voyage with a hologram of Elvis, the focal point, that's completely missing.' Another attendee said: 'People were looking around and thinking, 'Is this it?'.' Others compared it to An Elvis Evolution spokesman said plans for a hologram concert announced in early 2024 were dropped during development. Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Live Blog But they insisted this was 'made clear when tickets went on sale' and the show has been 'praised by fans and newcomers'. Jan Shepard dead at 96: Actress starred opposite Elvis
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘High-tech' Elvis show SLAMMED by furious fans as they compare it to flop Willy Wonka experience
Elvis Evolution promised a dazzling journey through the King of Rock and Roll's life SHLOCK & ROLL 'High-tech' Elvis show SLAMMED by furious fans as they compare it to flop Willy Wonka experience A 'HIGH-tech' Elvis Presley show has been blasted by fans who say it involved grainy video clips while an impersonator danced on stage. Some attendees were expecting cutting-edge holograms to rival the smash hit Abba Voyage virtual gigs. Advertisement 2 Elvis Evolution promised a dazzling journey through the King of Rock and Roll's life when it opened at the ExCel in East London this month 2 The King of Rock and Roll on stage in 1973 Credit: Getty But it has since been compared to last year's Willy Wonka experience flop by furious audiences. Elvis Evolution promised a dazzling journey through the King of Rock and Roll's life when it opened at the ExCel in East London this month. However, disappointed punters who paid up to £300 for VIP tickets claim there was no 3D avatar — just an actor dancing in front of video clips of the icon. Chas Johnson, 48, said: 'The whole thing is lamentable. Advertisement "But where it goes really wrong is where there was meant to be something akin to Abba Voyage with a hologram of Elvis, the focal point, that's completely missing.' Another attendee said: 'People were looking around and thinking, 'Is this it?'.' Others compared it to the Wonka show in Glasgow where an immersive experience left kids in tears. An Elvis Evolution spokesman said plans for a hologram concert announced in early 2024 were dropped during development. Advertisement But they insisted this was 'made clear when tickets went on sale' and the show has been 'praised by fans and newcomers'.
Time Out
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
What does an Elvis superfan make of the King's new London immersive experience?
It's a 25C evening in July, and I'm standing outside an exhibition centre in a black leather suit. These are the sort of things I do for the love of Elvis Presley. And I'm not alone. Almost 50 years after his death, the King of Rock 'n' Roll continues to inspire an intense devotion that borders on the religious. This is the bet that the creators of Elvis Evolution, the newest immersive live experience to arrive at the ExCeL Waterfront, are banking on. No, this isn't a bloated sequel to Baz Luhrmann's 2022 biopic, or yet another expensive showcase for his bejewelled Las Vegas suits. According to the show's website it's a 'first of its kind' 110-minute experience that combines cutting-edge VR and AI technology with live music and theatre, allowing superfans like myself to 'relive The King's most iconic moments'. If that description has you scratching your head, you're not alone – I have next to no idea what I'm about to see during this exclusive sneak peek at the experience. The King Lives On So what exactly is Elvis Evolution? Am I about to see my greatest idol come back from the dead thanks to the power of VR and AI? And are high-tech homages like this one the future of live entertainment or the devil in disguise? The show begins in a neon-drenched 1950s diner that evokes a nostalgic sense of Americana. This is the first in a trio of themed bars that each group of up to 160 Elvis fans passes through on their walkthrough. It's the kind of mom and pop joint where you might imagine the black-quiffed idol chowing down on peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwiches between recording sessions on GI Blues. The retro decor is good campy fun, and the attention to detail is likely to please even the most discerning Presley fan (the diner was based on Bob's Big Boys, a celebrated soda shop opposite the NBC studios where his '68 Comeback Special was recorded). The menu also leans into the world building: there are Memphis Muffins, Nashville Nachos, Moonlight Mules, and Pepsi Floats. When my Hounddog arrives, it's satisfyingly plump, juicy, and indulgent (gas station glizzies, these are not). After inhaling the posh weenie, an announcement comes over the tannoy – signalling in shrill southern Californian tones that my group is moving onto the next location. This is where the immersive theatre aspect of the show really begins. As fast as a stolen Cadillac, an all singing, all dancing actor, dressed as a 60s television executive, whisks us through some double doors and into the offices of NBC Studios (another impressive set that evokes New Hollywood through space age televisions, avocado green carpets, and far out furnishings). Here, we're given a briefing that doubles as a prologue, setting the scene for where we are in the Elvis story. Spoiler alert: it's 1968, and the hip-thrusting heartthrob, now a husky 33-year-old man, is preparing to take to the stage for the first time in seven years, following a long stretch of lousy Hollywood flicks and declining album sales. This one-off televised show (immortalised in rock 'n' roll lore as the '68 Comeback Special) is his last shot to reclaim his star and recapture the excitement of his '50s heyday. Fail and he'll enter the dustbins of pop culture history alongside all the tableware sets, bobbleheads, and novelty mugs bearing his likeness. If you saw the 2023 Netflix documentary, Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley, you'll be very familiar with this episode. This is not the tragic story of the womanising white-suited crooner who died on the can. Instead, it recasts good old EP as the hero of his own story – during the moment he triumphantly rediscovered his voice. More spoilers: Elvis Evolution puts a new spin on the saga, by telling it from the perspective of Sam Bell, a childhood friend of the star, who grew up with him in Tupelo, Mississippi. With this unlikely figure as our narrator and guide, we're lead onto a time travelling mystery train that transports us back to their bible belt upbringing. AI Elvis Has Left The Building Much has been made of Elvis Evolution 's use of 'groundbreaking multimedia technology', allowing audiences to 'experience Elvis like never before'. According to the show's press run, this includes (but is not limited to) holographic projections, soundscapes, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and sensory immersion. This is the kind of language that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman might use on his latest fundraising drive. While these impressive buzzwords might be a good way of justifying the price of the £75 standard ticket – the high-tech touches I do notice, like AI-rendered backdrops and environmental scents, do little to enhance the viewing experience (giving these lofty claims a touch of the Colonel Tom Parkers). Luckily, Elvis Evolution has enough going for it without the need to bask in the reflected glory of high-tech spectaculars like ABBA: Voyage. In fact, the most important thing for audiences to know about Elvis Evolution is that it is not ABBA Voyage, and audiences expecting a fully rendered virtual concert, featuring a wiggling hologram of The King in his white-suited pomp, will be left all shook up. Instead, the format of this experience has more in common with something like Secret Cinema, and the imaginative physical environments, solid acting, and costumes are more impressive than the much-hyped use of VR and AI. When the show's main event – the recreation of the '68 Comeback Special – does eventually take place (by way of a visit to the Blue Hawaii tiki bar and a tour through The King's dressing room), it's a medley of Elvis hits, brought to life by live musicians, and remastered footage from the original performance, projected onto giant screens. Still, the absence of the great man himself doesn't deter fans from dancing in the aisles and joining the cast for a singalong of Blue Suede Shoes and other favourites (even this dispassionate reporter couldn't resist wiggling his be-leathered leg to Jailhouse Rock). Elvis Evolution is a welcome entry into the Presley Universe that breathes new life into his rags-to-riches story in a way that will entertain younger audiences and delight older fans. But for all its fancy tech trimmings, the most compelling part of the show is the original footage of songs like If I Can Dream. There's a valuable lesson here. While advanced technologies may power virtual concerts and immersive musical experiences like this one, they are not the reason that audiences attend. As Elvis learned during his '68 comeback special – sometimes, it's best to let the music do the talking.
