Guest Blog: Dean Elliott On THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY

I never thought that The Simon & Garfunkel Story would become the worldwide success story that it has become. When I first wrote the show back in 2014, I thought it would last a few months. We have become a global phenomenon, with 50 countries visited, three casts touring simultaneously, five-star reviews, and now a residency in London's West End!

Over half a million people worldwide have now seen the show; we have travelled from Zimbabwe to Finland, and New Zealand to Canada. It's a testament to the success of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel as a duo: their music is universal, and has given us an opportunity to celebrate this sensational act around the world.

I have always been a fan of Simon & Garfunkel, but it wasn't until a friend asked me "What was their story?" that I really took the idea of creating a show seriously. I knew they had enough material, but understanding their story was fascinating and a tale I needed to tell.

Their time performing together was short, but by using amazing video footage and video technology, we can take people back through the history of the 1960s, which was the timeframe they were living in and writing about.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story is not only the story of two best friends, but also explores the history of the Sixties, the rise of the "teenager", the Summer of Love, the first man landing on the moon, JFK, Vietnam and the Civil Rights movement.

Their music is also played with astonishing accuracy, with a full band and brass ensemble. The show runs chronologically through their five albums, ending with a simply stunnin', haunting version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" - which never fails to get a standing ovation.

The best compliment we get is "It took me back in time" - which is exactly what we intend to do.

You can no longer see the duo perform, but when you come see us, you feel like you are back in the 60s and the groovy times of Simon & Garfunkel.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story at the Vaudeville Theatre 12-17 November, then at the Lyric Theatre until 24 June, 2019

Dean Elliott is the producer, director and musical supervisor of The Simon & Garfunkel Story

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