Everything you need to know about Elvis Evolution experience in London:
- Opening times: Various time slots available throughout the week, currently running until December
- Location: Immerse London, ExCeL Waterfront, London, E16 1XL
- Duration: Around 110 minutes, plus the optional All Shook Up Afterparty
- Age recommendation: Ages 10+ (under-16s must be accompanied by an adult)
- Tickets: make sure to book your tickets for Elvis Evolution
The high-energy tribute to the King of Rock’n’Roll, Elvis Evolution immersive experience, has generated much excitement in the past few months leading to its grand opening this week. Promising an innovative blend of storytelling and cutting-edge technology, this Elvis immersive experience invites you to walk in Elvis Presley’s blue suede shoes.
I took a deep dive into the King’s most defining moments – from his early beginnings as a country boy in Tupelo, Mississippi, to his meteoric rise as a music icon, celebrating the milestones that shaped his legacy. Focusing on the legendary 1968 comeback performances, the Elvis experience delivers some of the most thrilling, emotional highlights of his career – and trust me, it doesn’t disappoint!
About Elvis Evolution
Elvis Evolution is the first of its kind, produced by Layered Reality (Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience) who are pioneers in immersive storytelling. This digital meets theatrical show retraces the King’s legacy with jaw-dropping visuals, VR, projections, and AI-powered holograms.
At its heart? The showman’s unforgettable 1968 comeback special – a moment that redefined his musical legacy. The experience invites fans to walk through the King’s journey from Tupelo, Mississippi to rock’n’roll royalty, culminating in the NBC special.
Elvis returns to the spotlight: inside NBC studio set
From the moment we stepped into Bob Burbank’s all-American diner, it felt like we'd travelled back in time. Think jukeboxes, chequered floors, and a soundtrack straight out of Elvis’s early days. I sipped on a fizzy Pepsi float (those seriously need to make a comeback) and tucked into a hot dog while soaking in the diner’s nostalgic glow. Be sure to arrive early – at least 30 to 45 minutes before your set time – to make the most of the retro vibes with pre-show drinks and snacks.
Elvis – or EP, if you’re close – hasn’t performed live in seven years, and fans are buzzing with anticipation to see the King return to the stage. When our group is finally called to the studio set, I can’t hide my excitement – probably just as much as the fans back then. We’re led into a room that looks like the TV crew walked out in a frenzy just moments before. Script notes are scattered everywhere and the show’s chaotic schedule is pinned to the walls. Suddenly, producers rush in with a last-minute change: fans weren’t meant to be part of the show – in fact, there wasn’t supposed to be a live audience at all.
But there’s a bigger issue. Elvis isn’t coming out of his dressing room. Just as the producers start to panic, we meet Sam Bell – Elvis’s childhood friend from Tupelo – who takes us on a journey down memory lane. Fishing, blues music, the simplicity of their youth… Sam reappears throughout the experience, guiding us through Elvis’s story, his dreams, and the Mississippi roots that shaped who he was.
Mystery Train to Elvis’s early days
As we hear the haunting sound of Mystery Train playing on a grainy vinyl, we follow Sam Bell onto a real-life replica of a vintage train carriage. This is where the Elvis Evolution immersive experience really starts – taking us on a multi-sensory journey back to where it all began.
It’s not your usual cinema set-up. As we take our seats aboard the train, screens come to life with snippets of Elvis’s childhood – growing up in poverty in deep Mississippi, before making his way to Memphis. We see what it was like for young Elvis trying to make a name for himself in a buzzing and vibrant music scene, especially around Beale Street.
Filmed scenes are blended with live performers who re-enact moments from his early life: playing outdoors with friends, listening to blues bands on porches, and the profound influence of church and gospel singing. We then fast fast-forward to his time at Sun Studio, where he recorded his first single, That’s All Right – and just like that, we’re launched into the phenomenon of Elvismania. With Heartbreak Hotel climbing the charts, Elvis Presley’s rise to global fame begins – and the Elvis experience London captures it all with a mix of emotion, nostalgia, and top visuals and sounds.
A taste of Hawaii and the 1968 comeback
Halfway through, it’s time for a breather at the tropical Blue Hawaii Bar – make sure to try the tiki cocktail. Wandering around the room, I spot the walls plastered with posters from his classic films – it’s a full-on throwback. It’s also the perfect chance to snap a selfie next to Elvis catching a wave (an iconic moment, if you ask me).
We’re soon heading into another room for the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the recreation of the legendary 68 Comeback Special. We’re met with a striking image: Elvis, back turned, sitting at his makeup stand, unsure whether to take the stage.
We watch as the singer battles his nerves, pondering whether to perform or not. After all, this was his first live performance in seven years, and the stakes were high. When he finally makes his way to the stage to perform, and what a performance it is, we get a glimpse of why Elvis is still the legend he is today as I join the crowd, singing along and dancing to his biggest hits.
All Shook Up: The Afterparty
And just when you think its all over, we’re invited to really let loose at the All Shook Up Party – and what a treat it was! Two singers kicked off a jam session with a live band featuring a rocking saxophone player, alongside piano, guitar, and drums. I couldn’t help myself and stayed not for one, but two full sets, throwing out my best dance moves.
Final thoughts: Elvis Evolution review
What makes the experience truly brilliant is its use of virtual reality and cutting-edge technology to tell the story behind the hugely successful TV special, drawing on video footage and photos from Elvis’s personal archives at Graceland. Bringing to life moments you’d otherwise only see in old photographs. It’s striking to see these key parts of the King’s life unfold so vividly, like they happened just yesterday.
I can totally see why Elvis Evolution is set to become one of London’s top immersive experiences. Rather than attempting to retell his entire career, it zooms in on a lesser-explored pivotal moment, showing how his early years shaped the superstar we know today.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering this musical legend, its an unforgettable night out for all. Y’all must get down to the Excel Waterfront for this must see experience!