Review: ROCK OF AGES, The Alexandra Birmingham (UK tour)
“Come on, feel the noise” - Rock of Ages is back with a bang, receiving its official opening at The Alexandra in Birmingham last night before heading out across the country on tour.
This jukebox musical comedy boasts an epic soundtrack of classic 80’s rock anthems, which have audiences head banging in their seats throughout. Paired with a loose story of love and survival written by Chris D’Arienzo, you have all the ingredients for a fun night out.
Morgan Large’s set and costume is perfectly reflective of the slightly seedy and grungy Sunset Strip in LA, complete with exposed scaffolding pole structures across varying levels, amps and lighting truss; the latter of which enables Ben Cracknell to present us a full rock’ n ’roll lighting show. An automated platform dominates the upstage centre area during the ‘performed’ numbers, which have the show’s incredible band making a welcome appearance. The upstage video screen is also utilised well when needed, with Duncan McLean’s design being very much in keeping with the show style.
Nick Winston both directs and choreographs this production, which has pace and sets the tone from the outset. Knowing Winston’s choreographic skills from previous productions, this aspect does feel somewhat limited by the staging in places and occasionally it feels like the ensemble are added to scenes just because. However, the choreography does explore and feel every beat of the music, which is to be commended.
D’Arienzo’s book is undoubtedly the weak link when looking at the musical as a whole. However, it is able to laugh at itself and not take itself too seriously so in this respect, it works. Actors frequently break the fourth wall and address the audience, which makes for very entertaining viewing. The music will always be the star of this show, and rightly so. With Ethan Popp’s arrangements and orchestrations, under Liam Holmes’ musical direction and with Ben Harrison’s sound design, this is first and foremost a rock concert.
We are presented with a supremely talented cast in this production, several of whom are reprising their roles from the 2018/19 UK tour. Joe Gash as Lonny acts as the narrator of the piece and whilst he jokes about carrying the show on his back, he truly does. He is the glue that holds everything together and builds up an undeniable rapport with the audience from the start. He has unbelievable comic timing, superb vocals and boundless energy.
Luke Walsh (Drew) and Rhiannon Chesterman (Sherrie) are the lovers of the piece and whilst the book doesn’t really give them scope to lay the foundations of their relationship, they are a stunning pair and are extremely impressive vocally. ‘High Enough’ in Act Two is a certainly a moment; a really difficult sing, which both tackle with ease.
Strictly’s Kevin Clifton returns to play rock star Stacee Jaxx in this tour, fresh from playing Cosmo Brown in Singin’ in the Rain at Sadler’s Wells - a slightly different role! He may be the star casting here but he earns his place on that stage. Charismatic, vocally sound and he even manages to get some batucadas in there! Well played, Kevin from Grimsby.
Other notable performances include Ross Dawes as Dennis Dupree, Gabriella Williams as Regina and Jenny Fitzpatrick as Justice. Whilst the characters of developers Franz and Hertz who want to tear down the Strip (played by Andrew Carthy and Vas Constanti respectively) are the ‘panto’ characters of the piece, they are very comical throughout, with ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’ being a highlight.
In the words of Poison, this is “nothin’ but a good time.” Fun, sexy and entertaining.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Jenny Ell
Rock of Ages continues to tour the UK with select venues available to book here.
