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Million Dollar Quartet preview: Your cheat-sheet for a night of Rock ’n’ Roll

The retro recording studio-inspired stage for Million Dollar Quartet, complete with vintage microphone, music awards and musical equipment.

If you love classic rock ’n’ roll, here’s one for your London theatre list: Million Dollar Quartet has arrived at The Arts at Marble Arch, and after getting a sneak peek at today’s preview, I can already tell you one thing, this is a show worth booking.

I was invited along to a special preview teaser for journalists today, and even from that short taste of the production, the energy in the room was impossible to miss.

1950s-style recording studio stage for Million Dollar Quartet, with vintage microphone, music awards and musical equipment
The retro recording studio-inspired stage for Million Dollar Quartet, complete with vintage microphone, music awards and musical equipment.

A musical packed with old-school hits

Set in Sun Records in Memphis on 4 December 1956, Million Dollar Quartet brings together four musical legends, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, for the legendary impromptu jam session that gave the show its name.

And yes, the music is exactly what you are hoping for.

Expect plenty of rock ’n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country, with classics including Blue Suede Shoes, Great Balls of Fire, Hound Dog, Folsom Prison Blues and Walk the Line.

The cast I saw today were fantastic. There is a real sense of fun and momentum, and the performers throw themselves into the music with an infectious energy. This isn’t the sort of musical where you sit politely waiting for the big numbers – the songs are the show, and they keep coming.

Two hours of feel-good entertainment

With a running time of around 2 hours and 5 minutes, including an interval, this is a proper evening of live music without feeling like a marathon.

If you’re a fan of the music of the 1950s or simply enjoy a lively night out, I think Million Dollar Quartet is an easy recommendation. There are no complicated plot twists to follow and no need to be a musical theatre expert. You can simply sit back, enjoy the performances and let the music do the work.

And if you’re thinking about taking parents, grandparents or teenagers who enjoy vintage music, this could make a particularly fun family theatre outing. The current age recommendation is 8+.

And the good news: it doesn’t have to break the bank

This is perhaps my favourite part for London families. Theatre tickets can quickly become an expensive treat, but Million Dollar Quartet currently has some very tempting prices.

Tickets are currently advertised from £21, with September offers of up to 49% off available through London Theatre Direct.

So rather than assuming a West End-style musical will cost a fortune, it is definitely worth checking the available dates and offers before booking.

Check Million Dollar Quartet tickets and current offers

My verdict

Book it!

Based on the preview I saw today, Million Dollar Quartet delivers exactly what you want from a feel-good musical: brilliant musicians, a talented cast, loads of energy and a fantastic playlist of old favourites.

If you fancy two hours of great old-school music and a lively night out in London, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Million Dollar Quartet runs at The Arts at Marble Arch from 4 September to 6 December 2026.