Set to open later this year, Jailhouse Rock is being brought to the stage by the writer/director team of Alan Janes and Rob Bettinson. The duo were responsible for the long-running rock-and-roll hit Buddy, which played for many years in the West End and was also an international hit.

Jailhouse Rock, which features many 1950's rock-and-roll classics, follows the story of a young man committed to prison, who while serving his sentence discovers R&B and gospel music. He becomes a singer, only to discover that he isn't ready for the corruption that money and fame can bring

Speaking about the stage musical, Rob Bettinson says that "although based on the film, the musical will tell a much bigger story. Using hit songs from the era, the stage production will also unfold the birth of rock-and roll—pinpointing its roots in the black music of the time and showing how singers like Presley and those who were writing for artists like him crossed those influences over into the American teenage mainstream. This extra element will create a brand-new piece for the stage, not relying on the audience having seen the film or being an Elvis Presley fan, though Elvis fans will love it, too."

Casting for Jailhouse Rock begins shortly in both the U.K. and the U.S.A. for the 18-year old musical actor who will take the part of Vince, the young man from the wrong side of the tracks who against all odds emerges to become the hottest rock-and-roll property the world has known. Jailhouse Rock, co-written by Rob Bettinson and Alan Janes and directed by Rob Bettinson, is based on the motion picture of the same name originally produced by Pandro S. Berman. Produced by Alan Janes, René Sheridan and Michael Berman, and co-produced by Jonathan Alver and Stephen Dee, Jailhouse Rock is a Theatre Partners, Jailhouse Company and Volcanic Island production. The show is set to unveil later this year in the West End, and the first American production is projected for 2004.