A New Elvis Immersive Experience Sparks Outrage Among Fans
A new Elvis immersive show has sparked a wave of frustration among attendees, with many calling it "the worst experience of my life" and claiming they were left feeling disappointed and even bored. The exhibition, titled Elvis Evolution, created by Layered Reality, is currently running in central London and has drawn criticism for not meeting the expectations set during its initial promotion.
The show was advertised as a groundbreaking concert experience that would use AI and feature holographic projections of the rock legend. However, after tickets went on sale in October 2024, some fans reported that the promised technology was absent, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
Tickets for the six-month run range from £75 for a standard entry to £300 for a Super VIP option. The premium package includes a mid-show champagne experience, a commemorative glass, dedicated seating, access to three bars, and cloakroom facilities. Despite the high price, many attendees felt the experience did not justify the cost.
The exhibition begins by taking visitors through Elvis's early life before transitioning into an interval featuring a Hawaii-themed bar with a cardboard cut-out of the singer. Attendees then watch a version of the 1968 comeback special performance, which was originally broadcast live on NBC.
However, many have taken to social media to express their disappointment, calling the show "extortionately overpriced" and questioning whether it lived up to its marketing. One fan shared, "This was honestly the biggest letdown and a bit of a scam. Not at all like it has been advertised." Another said, "It's completely different from how it was originally advertised. The beginning starts well, but then it basically turns into a glorified cinema."
Some attendees also mentioned that the experience lacked immersion, with one person stating, "My family and I didn’t really find it immersive. We just walked out feeling bewildered and disappointed." Another noted, "When we booked it, it was advertised as a hologram. You can imagine how disappointed we were last night. I was glad when it was finished. I nearly dozed off."
Despite the negative feedback, the show has received some positive reviews. One fan said, "I personally thought it was a great evening—five stars," while another added, "Loved it." However, the overwhelming majority of comments on the show’s Instagram page are negative, with users describing it as "the worst experience of my life" and claiming they were "robbed of our money."
Mark and Tracey Baldwin, who had VIP tickets, told the BBC that they felt "more like mugs than VIPS." Ms. Baldwin criticized the lack of actual interaction with Elvis, saying, "It was a shambles from start to finish. There was no Elvis. It was just a video of him that you could watch on YouTube."
Other critics have accused the organizers of exploiting older audiences, claiming they were "taken for a fool by scamming us with technology that we won't understand." Paige Rannigan, who attended the show on Saturday evening, expressed her frustration, saying the experience was "nothing like what was advertised or promised." She also raised concerns about the lack of strobe light and flash light warnings, as she suffers from epilepsy.
Layered Reality has responded to the criticism, stating that accessibility was a priority during the production process. They have provided a detailed FAQ section on their website to address potential issues and ensure accommodations for visitors. A spokesperson explained, "A small number of people have pointed out that they were expecting a hologram concert, due to the initial announcement made in January 2024."
They emphasized that the concept evolved over time and that the decision not to mimic Elvis’s performances was a creative choice. "Those moments proved to be too iconic and irreplaceable," the statement continued. "Instead, we use AI to upscale archive footage and in moments we know happened but where no footage existed, offering a new lens into his world."
While some fans have praised the show, others remain unconvinced. As the controversy continues, the question remains: was Elvis Evolution truly an immersive experience or a costly misstep?