IT will be on the anniversary of The King's of Rock 'n' Roll's death when a brand new musicial - This Is Elvis - comes to Southend.

Coming to the Cliffs Pavilion from August 13 - 18 (Elvis died on August 16), the show, starring international award-winning tribute artist and actor Steve Michaels, celebrates the legendary 1968 Special show, marking its 50 year anniversary.

The televised Special show, aired on NBC Television, it later becoming known as his ’68 Comeback Special

This is Elvis follows the true story of this very pivotal period in Elvis’ life and career, charting his journey back to stardom and his return to success as a stage performer.

The show opened at Theatre Royal Windsor in January, and has been since touring nationwide.

Steve Michaels was formerly known as Stephen Michael Kabakos. His passion for Elvis sparked at a very young age, and has continued to be the drive behind his success.

His masterful performance and remarkable renditions of the King have garnered him worldwide attention. Steve has played alongside some of Elvis Presley’s iconic band mates including the legendary drummer DJ Fontana and bassist Jerry Scheff. In addition, he has shared the stage with the Jordanaires and the soulful voices of the Sweet Inspirations. Steve’s exquisite styling and ability to successfully capture an authentic portrayal of Elvis Presley has endeared him to audiences everywhere across the world.

The ’68 Comeback Special drew phenomenal ratings – almost half of the viewing audience. The event re-established Elvis as the major entertainment star of the decade, and 12 months later he starred at the International Hotel in Vegas, performing live for the first time in seven years, and securing his place in history as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll!

After This is Elvis recreates all the drama leading up to the comeback, it then proceeds with The King to his Vegas debut.

The show will naturally feature Elvis’s greatest hits including Trouble, Heartbreak Hotel, Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog, Love Me Tender, All Shook Up, Jailhouse Rock, One Night, It’s Now or Never, Are you Lonesome Tonight?, Can’t Help Falling in Love, In The Ghetto, Suspicious Minds, American Trilogy, Just Can’t Help Believing and more.

Elvis Presley is highly regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, having starred in more than 30 films, performed record breaking shows and concerts and is the biggest selling artist of all time with over one billion records globally.

Among his many awards and accolades Elvis was nominated for 14 Grammy’s and aged just 36 was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Elvis Presley was an icon and heartthrob the world over, still enjoyed by millions today his legacy lives on. This musical relives the incredible comeback and resurgence in his popularity and the monumental Vegas concert that confirmed Elvis’ legendary title as The King.

The tour's final show will be at the Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend.

Visit southendtheatres.org.uk for tickets or call the box office on 01702 351135.