Rock of Ages is a loud, raunchy and hit filled celebration of everything 80s. The show is set in 1987 on the Sunset Strip when Def Leppard and Whitesnake ruled the charts and plenty of big hair and glam rock costumes filled the bars and clubs. While the blockbuster movie may have failed to impress audiences, the musical has achieved great success and holds the title of the 27th longest running show in Broadway history.
The story centres on music club The Bourbon on LAs Sunset Strip where barman Drew (Sam Turrell) dreams of being a famous rock star called “Wolfgang Von Cult.” When sweet “small town girl” love interest Sherrie (Gabriella Williams) arrives on the strip their lives collide as they both yearn for stardom and romance with plenty of mishaps, sexy characters and good old fashioned rock music along the way.
Rock of Ages is a jukebox musical bursting with 80s crowd pleasers performed with heavy guitar solos and killer vocals. Classic power ballads such as “Every Rose has its Thorn”, “We Built this City” “Don’t Stop Believing” and “Wanted Dead or Alive” are effortlessly woven through the plot. The cast deliver the same energy and passion on stage and clearly enjoy camping up their glam rock characters to the max.
Turrell and Williams delivered solid rock performances as the lovestruck duo with note perfect vocals. However Lonny (Joe Gash) the quirky narrator is always the biggest crowd pleaser with wild on stage antics and close to the bone innuendos.
Rock of Ages doesn’t take itself too seriously and the glam rock 80s experience hits all of the right notes. The production is at the King’s Theatre until 3rd September.
