The golden era of Rock ‘n’ Roll is back as an original musical takes to the Coventry stage this month.

Writer and director Bob Eaton is known to audiences for his hit ‘Three Minute Heroes’ and this time around he brings to life what was a defining moment in British music history, the birth of rock ‘n’ roll.

“My idea was always to tell the story of the coming of Rock ‘n’ Roll to the UK and how the music gave an energy to the rebellion of youth against the old, grey, black and white world of 1950s austerity England,” he said.

What can we expect from the Belgrade's new production, though? Here are five reasons to head along and see it:

1. It will take you back in time to Britain in the 50s!

Whether or not you’re old enough to remember Britain in the 1950s, Roll Over Beethoven is a show that will transport you back in time to that exciting period in musical history.

Set in England, 1956, the year that also saw Elvis reach the top of the charts for the first time with his single ‘Heartbreak Hotel,’ Roll Over Beethoven tells the story of the birth of rock ‘n’ roll.

A new wave of music arrived on British shores from across the pond and artists like Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis became mainstream, giving way to a rock ‘n’ roll revolution!

Roll Over Beethoven at the Belgrade

2. It’s a story about teenage rebellion

The 1950s was a decade when a post-War generation gained newfound freedoms, giving life to youth culture and the invention of the ‘teenager’.

Teddy boys gathered around the jukebox to experience a new, exotic sound – one that was alien to their more traditional and conservative parents.

Roll Over Beethoven tells exactly that story, of a young rebellious generation, fighting against their classical music-loving parents.

Roll Over Beethoven
Roll Over Beethoven

3. The songs are completely new and original

Roll Over Beethoven has a completely original score, inspired by some of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll hits of the era.

Unlike other jukebox musicals, Roll Over Beethoven, has an entirely new soundtrack that you won’t have heard before.

With lyrics by writer and director Bob Eaton and musical arrangements by Ben Goddard, together they have created a sound that will take you back to Britain in the 50s.

The rock ‘n’ roll score is performed by a multi-talented cast of actors, who double up as guitarists, drummers, saxophonists, trumpeters, bassists, pianists, washboard players and more.

It’s a fun and uplifting soundtrack that is sure to raise your spirits and raise the roof!

4. It’s been created by the same team who produced the smash-hit musical, Three Minute Heroes

In case you missed it, Three Minute Heroes was the hugely popular 2 Tone musical achieving sell-out success at the Belgrade back in 2014.

Now, the same creative team is back at the Belgrade having produced Roll Over Beethoven, including writer and director, Bob Eaton and designer Patrick Connellan, who has created a set inspired by a 1950s ballroom.

Roll Over Beethoven at the Belgrade

5. It’s based around one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays!

Marking the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, Roll Over Beethoven is loosely based around the story of Hamlet and makes cheeky, tongue-in-cheek references to the Bard’s most famous of plays throughout.

In a similar way to Bob Carlton’s 50s jukebox musical, Return to the Forbidden Planet which is based around Shakespeare’s The Tempest, it mixes Shakespeare with rock ‘n’ roll!

Roll Over Beethoven runs on the Belgrade Theatre’s Main Stage until Saturday, September 17.

Grab your tickets now by calling our friendly Box Office team on 024 7655 3055 or book online at www.belgrade.co.uk for even cheaper tickets.