Get all shook up with Elvis story through the eyes of 15 women

Wit, innuendo, farce, slapstick and twists of absurdism – not the usual things people associate with Elvis Presley. But that’s exactly what to expect with All The King’s Women, a collection of comedy scenes and monologues based on his impact on different women. Presented by Arena Arts and Entertainment this October and November, the show features 10 actors playing 21 characters focusing on their Elvis encounters. Director Simon James said All The King’s Women is not so much about Elvis but more about the comic situations of the women who meet him. “We follow people's encounters with the King – from when he gets his first guitar at age 11, through various parts of his career to his death in 1977 and then onto today and what he's left behind,” he said. "It's more about the comedic female characters than Elvis, although the pieces revolve around him and we discover some rather fascinating things about the man along the way. “You don't have to be an Elvis fan to enjoy this show, thanks to the humour involved, but if you are a fan, then it’s an amusing walk down memory lane as well. “The production is also timely because Elvis would have been 75 this year if he was still alive.” James said he was drawn to All The King’s Women because of its interesting structure, as well as the subject matter. “It was the challenge of directing 10 pieces that are different to each other, drawn together by the central character of Elvis,” he said. “Although he doesn't appear in the play as a physical character on stage, his character is very much imprinted upon each scene. “The show has everything from a gossipy sales assistant with psychic abilities, manic housewife, hard-nosed New York TV producer, airhead artists and coldly-efficient Whitehouse secretaries through to the heartfelt pleadings of love from a female Elvis impersonator.” One of the All The King's Women's segments, focusing on when Nixon met Elvis, scored James the best director award at the 2010 Dramafest. The cast also received an award for precision in their ensemble work. All The King’s Women plays at Phoenix Theatre at 8pm, October 15 and 16 and Camelot Theatre at 8pm, October 29, 30, November 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 and 13 with 2pm matinees on October 31 and November 7. Tickets are $20, $15 concession – book on 9362 4080 or email bookings@arenaentertainment.com.au. Phoenix Theatre is located on the corner of Carrington Street and Rockingham Road within the Hamilton Hill Memorial Hall; Camelot Theatre is on Lochee Street, Mosman Park.