Elvis certainly was in the building when the award-winning Elvis tribute Lee 'Memphis' King took to the stage at the Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park.
The centre of attention was Elvis clone Lee King, but another star of the show was the stunning 850-seat theatre that is conjured-up, inside the sports hall of this new multi-million pound complex.
Gathered in the cafe bar before the doors opened, Elvis fans were clearly geared-up for a magic night with a Vegas atmosphere bubbling around.
The audience - a mixture of all ages - took to their seats in a buzz of excitement with everyone chatting to each other in eager anticipation.
As the lights dimmed the King of Rock n Roll appeared on stage with a six-piece band of three guitarists, a drummer, keyboard, a female vocalist.
Dressed in black trousers, black shirt and a gold jacket, the crowd cheered as Lee blasted out his first number Blue Suede Shoes, followed by Shake, Rattle and Roll.
Complete with the trademark Elvis quiff, and thick sideburns, Lee 'Memphis' King thrilled fans with his leg and hip movements which drew admiring wolf whistles from the spectators.
With the skill of a master he took his audience on a roller-coaster ride through the decades, making great use of the band and backing singer, combined with a multimedia screen showing images from the King's life.
As Lee belted-out perfect renditions of hit after hit, there was little wonder that he is the most successful Elvis tribute artist in Europe and winner of the prestigious Collingwood Festival award for 'Best Professional Elvis Tribute in the World.
Closing your eyes and you could imagine yourself in Vegas, thanks to Lee's amazing performance as the hits continued with Teddy Bear, All Shook Up, Don't be Cruel and Hound Dog.
After a quick change Lee re-appeared, clad in black leathers, and along with some of the band members, re-created a thrilling interpretation of the famous 68' come-back special.
We were even entertained to the legendary comic version of Are you Lonesome Tonight, which reduced the audience in fits of giggles.
By now the audience were there "with Elvis" and the vibration of the foot-tapping drummed along to hit after hit.
During the 20-minute interval, I took time out to have a look around the very impressive complex.
Based in Longview Drive in Huyton, Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park is not only a leisure and fitness centre, but also a venue for acts and performances with a really intimate atmosphere.
Bar prices are reasonable and the staff were very helpful and courteous and the generous free parking was security-monitored
At the re-start 'Elvis' appeared in his all white high-collared costume, with tasselled trousers to sing That's All Right Mama, and Can't Stop Loving You,
Caught-up in the Vegas fever many fans were now out of their seats on a dance-floor area, shaking their hips and enjoying the music.
As pictures of the great man himself, as a boy, were still being flashed on the big screen, I have to confess that I stifled a tear as Lee 'Memphis' King sang spine-tingling renditions of Don't Cry Daddy, In the Ghetto, and You Don't Have To Say You Love Me.
By now half the audience was on the dance-floor with other half swaying in their seats, singing along to the famous hits, Wonder Of You, Just Can't help Believing, Way Down, Burning Love, Suspicious Minds, Can't help Falling In Love With You and many more.
An Elvis night would not be complete without the a pair of knickers being throwing on the stage, and this night was no exception thanks to the lady who threw a pale blue lacy pair onto the stage.
Overall, it was amazing night and great venue it is definitely worth keeping a look-out for future events. You will not be disappointed by the setting.
Lee 'Memphis' King is a real pleasure to watch. Whether you are a real Elvis devotee or not, he provides a most enjoyable performance and it would be worth watching-out for his return to the North West.
For more information on Lee 'Memphis' King please you can visit his website www,leememphisking.com
More information on forthcoming events at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park can be found on www.knowsley.com
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