#BrumHour was invited to Rock of Ages by Belgrade Theatre.
By Julie Wallis twitter.com/NiceNic63
Rock of Ages at Belgrade Theatre
Rock of Ages is now at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry until Saturday 16th March and this time it seems even bigger and better than ever!
The story is about a simple country girl, Sherrie (Jodie Steele) who leaves Home to pursue fame and fortune. Unfortunately for Sherrie she is mugged, but a hero is on hand in the shape of Drew (Luke Walsh) who takes her back to the Bourbon Room where bar owner Dennis (Kevin Kennedy) gives Sherrie a job. Bad boy of rock Stacee Jaxx (Kevin Clifton) is planning a farewell tour and Dennis holds just enough dirt on Stacee to persuade Stacee to play his final ever show at the Bourbon Room.
Some misunderstandings lead to Sherrie working in a Gentleman’s club, run by Justice (Zoe Birkett). Hertz (Vas Constanti) and his son Frank (Andrew Carthy) have plans to demolish the Bourbon Room and more of the strip, but peaceful protests fronted by Regina (Rhiannon Chesterman) lead to a secondary love story. All of this is set to the most thunderous soundtrack and is jam packed full of laughs.
The real star of the show is the delightfully camp and exuberant Lonny (Lucas Rush) who narrates the entire proceedings with joy.
Rock of Ages is one of the most uplifting, uproarious, fun stage shows I have seen and if you love rock music and glam rock from the 70’s through the 80’s then this show is for you. Once you’ve experienced Rock of Ages it’s easy to understand why it’s still delighting audiences and with songs including the likes of We Built this City, Dead or Alive, I Want to Know what Love Is and I Cant Fight This Feeling you will find yourself singing along with the rest of the audience.
The set is predominantly the bar area of Bourbon Room, but Rock of Ages isn’t about the set, this is a thumpingly great jukebox musical that seems more like a rock concert in places, thanks to some amazing lighting work and a live band playing (but we don’t really see as much of the band as they deserve.)
Loud, brash and funny, and with an absolutely wonderful cast this show has the audience up on their feet, singing and cheering for the most fun finale I can ever remember. I highly recommend a trip out of town to catch Rock of Ages if you’ve still yet to see it.
I loved Rock of Ages first time I saw it last year, but it is even better now. Jodie Steel has a terrific voice (as does everyone) Zoe Birkett is still terrific with so much power in her voice, Kevin Kennedy is still funny and full of enthusiasm, Luke Walsh sounds amazing, do ya know what, they all sound amazing! The entire auditorium roars with laughter and it’s easy to see why a standing ovation was so forthcoming. Don’t take my word for it, go see Rock of Ages if any tickets are still available. You won’t regret it. I promise.
Rock of Ages is at Belgrade Theatre until Saturday 16th March. Book tickets here: belgrade.co.uk/event/rock-of-ages
This isn’t a sponsored post.
When not blogging theatre for #BrumHour, Julie Wallis can be found on her own blog at redandgoldweb.wordpress.com
