Step Behind The Stage
Walk Right Back
New Theatre, Peterborough - 06/02/26
Review by Daniel Marshall
The UK tour of Walk Right Back rolled into Peterborough last night, bringing with it a warm wave of rock and roll nostalgia and a celebration of one of music's most iconic duos, The Everly Brothers. This production honours the legacy of the siblings through soaring harmonies, slick musicianship and an infectious sense of fun that had audiences engrossed from the start.
Rather than leaning heavily into theatrical storytelling, Walk Right Back takes a more relaxed and personable approach. The show unfolds as a guided journey through the brothers' lives and careers, led directly by its performers and supported by video projections. Luke Wilson and Jake Byrom introduce themselves by name at the top of the show, setting the tone for an evening that feels more like an intimate onstage conversation than a traditional piece of musical theatre.
While moments of characterisation do emerge, particularly during sequences inspired by the famous package tours where nods to Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison appear, the pair largely act as narrators of the Everly's story. This choice allows the focus to sit squarely on the music and the connection with the audience, which ultimately proves to be the show's greatest strength.
Wilson and Byrom are endlessly engaging throughout, quick witted and effortlessly likeable, bouncing off one another with a chemistry that mirrors the ease and precision of their vocals. Those harmonies are the undeniable heart of the night, delivered with warmth and a deep respect for the originals. They are joined on stage by a superb four-piece band whose talents are given plenty of room to shine. Each musician steps forward at different points, not only showcasing impressive musical skill but also embracing moments of playful character work, particularly when embodying figures like Holly and Orbison.
The use of video throughout adds an extra layer of texture, offering snapshots of the era, time markers that anchor the story historically and a handful of engaging facts that deepen the audience's appreciation of the journey being told. Combined with the live performances, it helps effortlessly transport the room through the decades.
Walk Right Back may not be a traditional narrative-driven musical, but it does not need to be. What it offers instead is a joyful, finely performed tribute that puts music, connection and nostalgia front and centre. For fans of The Everly Brothers, or simply anyone looking to spend an evening wrapped in glorious harmonies and rock and roll charm, this tour stop in Peterborough was an absolute treat.
Cast on the Night:
Luke Wilson - Performer
Jake Byrom - Performer
Four-Piece Band - Musicians