Are you ready to rock? Buckle up for this jukebox musical, belting out nonstop 80s classic soft rock riffs which will leave you fist pumping and head bobbing well after the final guitar crunch.
1980’s USA is a country still recovering from the post-Vietnam war conflict which caused economic and political uncertainty, creating an anxiety which led to an American identity crisis. Bands such as Journey, Europe and Starship were making music and writing lyrics which talked to the disenfranchised youth of the day with messages of hope, fighting for what you believe in and pursuing your dreams. These messages resonated with young people who admired the flamboyant, long haired rock gods, their vitality representing freedom and liberation in contrast to the condescending voices of authority figures. This concept of chasing the dream is central and key in this musical, searching for and fighting for one’s own identity and purpose.
The main premise of Rock of Ages is ‘Boy meets Girl’ with wholesome boy, Drew (Sam Turrell) falling in love with small-town girl Sherrie (Gabriella Williams) in the big city. They are both aspiring artists who struggle to reach the big time whilst juggling their work, love and life on the Sunset Strip. The action takes place in and around the smoky live rock venue ‘The Bourbon Room’ owned by Dennis Dupree (Kevin Kennedy) which comes under threat of closure when a pair of German developers Hertz (Vas Constanti) and his son Franz (David Breeds) persuade the city mayor (Adam Strong) to get rid of the ‘sex, drugs and rock n roll’ culture in favour of a ‘clean living’ rhetoric. After being fired for objecting to the sale, local city planner and activist Regina (Stephanie Chandos) launches a crusade against the demolition and in a bid to generate some money, the Bourbon Room brings in charismatic rock star Stacee Jaxx (Cameron Sharp) and his band Arsenal to perform their last show.
Rock of Ages takes on a tried and tested narrative entwined with over thirty rock hits all performed with the backing of an incredible live band. The staging is set in the style of a rock concert, with a variety of different sized speakers (it’s going to be loud!) framed by metal rigs and a plethora of lights and beams decorating the stage which worked well in accommodating the many scene changes and settings. The screen at the top centre of the stage provides audio visuals throughout the show which are there to compliment the story. Whether it was the size or positioning of the screen I had to remind myself to move my gaze up to it.
Morgan Large’s costume design, sexy and provocative, with tight leather trousers, ripped denim and lace, embodies the raunchy rock’n’roll spirit which all cast members embody and perform with vigour and enthusiasm. Lonny (Tim Oxbrow) is our brilliant Narrator, breaking the fourth wall leading to some very funny interactions with the audience, both verbally and visually.
The audience are succumbed to the metaphoric style of storytelling with the narrator openly admitting the jokes are “poop” but unfortunately, some really do fall flat with the slightly shy audience. Fortunately, the genuine laugh out loud moments and quality of the infectious music and singing all but make up for it within seconds with its lovely pacing. The cast successfully deliver the vocally demanding range of songs with impressive ease, power and authority complimented alongside Nick Winstons choreography providing sassy, strong, confident movements reflecting the determination and fighting stance of our central characters.
Overall, Rock of Ages was a thoroughly enjoyable night of earworm worthy rock which had people dancing in the aisles towards its energetic finale. A wonderful offering as part of its 2023 Farewell Tour.
You can catch Rock of Ages in Blackpool until the 25th February, to book tickets visit, https://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/
Reviewer: Gill Lewis
Reviewed: 20th February 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★