REPLACING the advertised pavilion show – Bill Kenwright’s production of Fame – at very short notice, this is a lively tribute to some of the great names in rock ’n’ roll, including Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, together with Ricky Nelson, Del Shannon and Eddie Cochran.

This is another Bill Kenwright production but whereas Fame would appeal to all the family, Rock ’n’ Roll Heaven probably has a more limited audience of people who remember the original hits.

With a live four-piece band providing all the backing, the first half features ‘Ricky Nelson’ crooning There’ll Never Be Anyone Else But You and Hello Mary Lou; ‘Eddie Cochran’ hammering through C’mon Everybody, and ‘Elvis’ delivering Don’t Be Cruel, Hound Dog and Heartbreak Hotel.

As Buddy Holly, Ed Handoll is outstanding on convincing vocals and distinctive Fender Sunburst lead guitar, ripping through Heartbeat, Oh Boy and Guess It Doesn’t Matter Anymore.

The second half features Damien Edwards as both the quirky Del Shannon on Runaway and Little Town Flirt, and the terrific Roy Orbison, with those powerful high vocals on I Drove All Night and Crying. The show has no overhead projections and no real narrative – it’s just a collection of six tribute acts and at times it felt under-rehearsed, with some iffy tempos and harmonies.

But as a short-notice replacement for Fame it provides elderly holidaymakers with a reasonable show. The finale was a rocking medley of The Wonder Of You, Sweet Dreams Baby and the roof-lifting Pretty Woman. Rock ’n’ Roll Heaven runs until Saturday.

Rock ‘n’ roll Heaven - Pavilion, Bournemouth.