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Rock of Ages is playing its farewell tour in Manchester until Saturday 18 March. Are you ready to rock?
I hope so because this jukebox musical features the biggest hits of the 80s. ‘Don’t Stop Believing’, ‘The Final Countdown’ and ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ are belted out by incredible singers in this hardcore production.
But it’s not just a gig, even though the lighting design very much gives off those vibes. There’s a loose plot to follow.
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Just a small town girl
A small-town girl, Sherrie, moves to LA to follow her dreams of becoming an actress. She finds herself in the legendary rock club, The Bourbon Room, where things get a bit more rocky. From finding love to finding herself in a strip club, can she find her happy?
Alongside this girl meets boy story, we meet the owners of the joint, who are facing their own battle against the redevelopment of the LA strip. But can rock win?
Hit me with your best shot
The story is carried by the narrator, Lonny, played by Darius James. His Russel Brand inspired persona might not have been the most original but who cares. He was addictive to watch. Was he totally extra? Yes. But he generated a lot of laughs, was able to confidently interact with a rowdy crowd and looked like he was having a ball on stage.
He had fantastic chemistry with Manchester’s very own Curly Watts aka Kevin Kennedy who surprised me as the half-cut club owner, Dennis Dupree.
Another immediate favourite with the crowd was David Breeds who was as camp, or apparently European, as it gets playing daddy’s boy, Franz Klinemann.
The ensemble deserve a special mention. Their energy was electric and they lifted every number. I was obsessed with the choreography, which they absolutely nailed. Their sass, sex appeal and skill brought a lot of quality to this production.
Nothin’ but a good time
It really is a raunchy show that doesn’t shy away from the sex and drugs part of this era. Sometimes it hits and sometimes it misses. Either way, you can’t deny the actors go all in.
Sure, it’s not the most polished musical I’ve ever seen. With a simple set and multiple technical mishaps, it was certainly an eventful evening…
But what this production of Rock of Ages really leans in to, and with huge success, is the comedy. They really take the over the top and silly humour to a new level, from cruising in miniature sized vehicles to dealing with bathroom mishaps. I think this might be marmite. My dad and I loved the stupidity but I imagine others may not.
Rock of Ages is seriously sexy. It’s hella entertaining with banging vocals and craploads of comedy. Is it your cup up tea? There’s only one way to find out!
Playing at Manchester Opera House until Saturday 18 March 2023.
Photo credit: The Other Richard