The sounds of Chicago blasted into Christchurch last night, courtesy of a fantastic Blues Brothers tribute act.

Accomplished duo 'Jake' and 'Elwood' brought the Regent Centre to life knocking out covers in trademark pork pie hats and shades.

Backed by a talented six piece band, the pair rattled through the much loved hits including Shake, Rattle and Roll, Everybody, Gimme Some Lovin', Think and Shake a Tailfeather.

Audience participation is part of the show, as the musicians interact with the crowd, pick on those who aren’t joining in and teach the theatre the lyrics and dance moves.

Henshaw’s rendition of Under the Boardwalk, performing it in a laidback style as he told a love story, was a particularly good touch.

Largely, though, it was the ‘Brothers’ and band’s energy that stole the show. Their comic timing was slick, their vocals strong and their choreography spot on.

The group barely had time to draw breath between tunes in this non-stop set list of soul and blues.

All the fun took place in front of a huge star-spangled flag draped across the back of the stge.

The Bluettes trio were replaced by two backing singers, who made up what they lacked in numbers by belting out classics such as Respect to raise the roof.

Jailhouse Rock, which saw the ‘Brothers’ quickly change into jeans and white T-shirts, was another highlight.

Die-hard fans of the Blues Brothers phenomenon were not hard to spot, jiving along from the word go to every song.

But by the end, the whole theatre was on board - on their feet dancing, clapping, whistling and shouting for more at the encore and then spilling out into the aisles to enjoy it.

This tour was the first time The Blues Brothers the Smash Hit had come to Christchurch, they said, and urged the audience to seek them out again.

Judging by the enthusiastic reception this extravaganza received, they didn’t need to ask.

Harriet Marsh