Featuring
24 Of The Greatest Rock’n’roll Hits Of All Time
The
Story Of How Four Stars Made Rock’n’roll History Starring Peter Duncan
Million Dollar Quartet
Sunderland Empire
Wednesday 25 - Saturday 28 March 2020
This worldwide smash hit musical, inspired by the famous
recording session that brought together rock‘n’roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny
Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time, will embark
appear later this month on an extensive tour of the UK.
Re-joining the production as the ‘Father of Rock’n’Roll’
Sam Phillips, is national treasure Peter Duncan. Following rave reviews for his
performance in the musical’s 2017 UK tour, the Olivier Award nominee and former
Blue Peter presenter returns to the stage in 2020.
On December 4, 1956, history was made when these four star
musicians gathered at Sun Records in Memphis, the studios of legendary record
producer Sam Phillips, for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of
all time.
Million Dollar Quartet brings that legendary night to life,
with its extraordinary story of broken promises, secrets, and the
once-in-a-lifetime celebration of four acclaimed recording artists. This
poignant musical features a score of more than 24 legendary rock hits including
Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, That’s All Right, Sixteen Tones, Great Balls of Fire,
Walk the Line, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, Who Do You Love?, Matchbox, Folsom
Prison Blues and Hound Dog.
The stage production is written by Colin Escott and Floyd
Mutrux, directed by Olivier nominated Ian Talbot OBE, and includes designs by
David Farley, lighting by David Howe and sound by Ben Harrison. The UK tour is
produced by Mark Goucher and Laurence Myers.
The actor, adventurer and former Blue Peter presenter Peter
Duncan tells Matthew Amer about starring in the rock ‘n’ roll musical and his
own pop star ambitions.
Hi Peter. Thanks for talking to us. What’s the
story of Million Dollar Quartet?
Well, on 4 December 1956, Sam Phillips, who ran Sun
Records, got Elvis, who was by then a big superstar, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash
and a very young Jerry Lee Lewis together for a day. He recorded a session with
them. His real motivation behind it was to try and get Johnny Cash to sign a new
contract because, like with football, people get tempted elsewhere, especially
when they get successful. The music business is still notorious for that kind
of behaviour.
It’s the most famous recording session in history! At the
end of the show there’s a picture of them sitting round the piano that pops up;
it’s absolutely iconic.
That is the story that runs alongside what most people
think they’re coming for, which is a fantastic rock ‘n’ roll romp. What they
get is much more, and they go away having learned something new.
You previously played producer Sam Phillips in
2017. What made you want to return to the role and how much research did you do
into him?
I was delighted to be asked! It’s a brilliant show and a
number one tour. I also think Sam is a rather great part to play, because I’m
so into music. Some fantastic performers have played the role too – Jason
Donovan, Bill Ward, Martin Kemp.
I did a lot of research. Sam fascinated me. He was
originally a DJ, but he knew all about the wiring side of things and that’s how
he found a way to create his sound with the technology as it existed.
That was one of his talents. He was a clever man, a very
clever man, but he also did the job of the plugger. He’d drive round from radio
station to radio station hawking his records. When he got air play, that’s how
his artists got heard. He was a true grafter. That’s what makes him so cross
when somebody leaves.
The music in the show is timeless, with songs including
Hound Dog, I Walk The Line and Great Balls of Fire, but is the story of rock
‘n’ roll still as relevant?
I know years and years have passed, but life’s really very
similar; it’s often the music that responds to, and makes people respond to,
society. If there’s an equivalent, it’s a bit like grime with Stormzy now. If
you listen to Stormzy, what you’ll hear is real political commentary, rudeness,
anti-establishment sentiment. Really that’s what rock ‘n’ roll was doing then.
Did you ever want to be a rock ‘n’ roll star
yourself?
I’ve always been musical. I’ve always written songs, mainly
for things like kids shows and pantomimes, but I’ve always composed. But I
suppose my one single, Cold As Ice, in 1982 doesn’t really count as being a pop
star, although I did sing it live to Elton John on Blue Peter. That’s my “I could
have been a pop star” moment. I’m obviously a method actor, as I’m building my
own sound studio in the garden! I’ve got three daughters and all of them are
making a career out of being singers, so it will give everyone somewhere to
rehearse.
Aside from your acting, it’s Blue Peter you’re
probably best known for. How was it being part of that show?
It was obviously a really exciting thing to do. At that
point in my career, after 10 years as an actor, I felt like looking outward a
bit, rather than inward. Obviously doing something like Blue Peter, you know
your career is going to go in a different direction, but now I do wish I’d done
a bit more Shakespeare and a bit more classical stuff.
I was only 26 when I got that job and it was quite hard. I
had a fragmentary education; a gypsy theatrical child going from pillar to
post. I never took any exams of any kind. Suddenly you’re surrounded by people
with firsts from Oxford or Cambridge who are desperate to get up the BBC ladder.
You slowly start to realise you’re not as clever as you think you are. And
because of my strange childhood I’ve never been good with organisations,
bureaucracy and hierarchy. I’m very much a get out there and do it yourself
kind of person.
I think that’s how you’ve always come across.
Is there, in fact, anything you can’t do?
I suppose I do always try and keep life interesting! If I’m
absolutely honest, I’m a frustrated sculptor.
Are you excited about being out on tour?
I am, although I was also excited to see there were two
London dates and a few commutable ones too! My Mrs promised to visit me on some
others so we could go walking during the day too! It helps that I’m a great
traveller and I’ve got my own holiday company, The Natural Adventure Company.
That all grew from making travel documentaries when I took the kids around the
world.
What can audiences expect from a trip to see
Million Dollar Quartet?
They’ll have a great night because of the fantastic music
at the heart of it – there’s not a night I’ve done where people aren’t up on
their feet having a great time as the songs and the artists are iconic - but
they get a whole lot more than a rock ‘n’ roll concert, they get a brilliant
story too.
Are you looking forward to appearing in
Sunderland?
My father came from Redcar and used to run beach shows, so
I’ve got a lot of relations and history up there. I’m really looking forward to
going up to Sunderland and touring the North East.
Don't miss your chance to be a fly on the wall of fame and
history, and join in the celebration of this red-hot rock 'n' roll band for one
unforgettable night!
