80s musical extravaganza Rock of Ages roars into the King’s Theatre this week as a loud, raunchy and hit-filled pastiche of power ballads. The show is set in 1987 on the Sunset Strip, back when Def Leppard and Whitesnake ruled the charts, big hair and glam rock costumes were a fashion trend and guys wore too much eyeliner.
The five-time Tony-nominated show spawned a somewhat ill-fated blockbuster movie but has found more consistent success with theatre audiences. Rock of Ages is currently the 27th longest running show in Broadway history with a highly successful tour in the UK and all over the world.
The story centres on music club The Bourbon on LAs Sunset Strip. We meet the main protagonist bar man Drew who dreams of being a famous rock star called Wolfgang Von Cult while waiting tables and his sweet “small town girl” love interest Sherrie who arrives on the strip longing to be a famous actress.
The story follows their search for stardom and blossoming romance in a firmly tongue in cheek fashion with plenty of mishaps, innuendos, sexy characters and good old fashioned rock music along the way.
Rock of Ages is a jukebox musical jam packed full of 80s crowd pleasers performed with heavy guitar solos, killer vocals and enough energy to rock the full theatre. Classics such as Every Rose has its Thorn, We Built this City, Don’t Stop Believing and “Wanted: Dead or Alive are woven through the plot.
Drew (Luke Walsh) and Sherrie (Jodie Steele) show off their back catalogue of musical theatre experience through their effortless powerful vocal performances on vintage rock tunes and classic power ballads.
A particular highlight was their spine tingling performance of High Enough with flawless harmonies showcasing their impressive range and vocal stamina.
The older audience members will feel a rush of nostalgia for Coronation Street Star Kevin Kennedy. Renowned for playing long standing character Curly Watts in the soap, he delivers a solid performance as ageing rocker Dennis, owner of The Bourbon Room club.
Zoe Birkett has grown up since her career break on Pop Idol to play Justice, owner of Venus strip club. She oozes sex appeal and sassy mamma vibes while showcasing her incredible vocals.
Lonny (Lucas Rush), the quirky yet somewhat camp narrator with a Freddie Mercury meets Ozzy Osbourne style and sass, steals the show as the epitome of all things 80s with boundless energy, close to the bone innuendos and perfect comic timing. Rush knows how to work an audience and provides plenty of moments to interact with the crowd – be prepared for a good ribbing if you find yourself placed in the front row! Rush easily got the biggest cheer of the night due to his hilarious and incredibly entertaining performance.
Kevin Clifton, fresh from his recent win on Strictly Come Dancing, makes an excellent debut as Stacee Jaxx – an egotistical rock god who has every woman desperate to be with him and every man desperate to be him. He creates a brilliant and gloriously sleazy caricature performance and proves that he his acting and vocal ability are just as good as his famous moves.
Father and son German property developer duo Franz (Andrew Carthy) and Hertz (Vas Constanti) are also well received by the audience. Franz’s hilarious performance of Hit me With Your Best Shot alongside feisty protester Regina (Rhiannon Chesterman) was a particular stand out moment.
The key to the success of this musical in without doubt the incredible energy and passion from the cast which shines through every song and dance step. However more importantly it is clear they are having an absolute ball every moment they are on stage. The tight and clever choreography, lighting, costumes and scenery screams 80s glam rock and ensures the audience are mesmerised every step of their rock journey.
Rock of Ages is an irresistible, off-beat tongue in cheek trip back to the 1980s which hits all of the right notes. Book your tickets now and you will not be disappointed.
The show runs until 26th January. Buy your tickets here.