ROCK music has exploded onto the scene in Coventry – and how!
Packed with over 25 classic anthems from across the 80s, Rock of Ages is an hilarious LA love story which transports audiences back to a time when the dreams were as big as the hair.
The action is mainly centered on the Bourbon Room, a down-at-heel music venue on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip, which is the target for demolition by a German property developer.
Meanwhile small-town girl Sherrie Christian arrives in LA in search of fame, but instead finds love. And no thanks to disgraced rock star Stacee Jaxx who has blown in for a revenue-raising performance at the troubled club.
It’s set to a stellar musical soundtrack that quickly has you on your feet, including unforgettable hits like The Final Countdown, We Built This City, Here I Go Again, Every Rose Has Its Thorn and I Want To Know What Love Is, all played loud and proud by a live band ever-present on stage.
Now a global smash with extensive runs in London’s West End, on Broadway and in Las Vegas, the show has attracted quite a following over the years including a film version starring Tom Cruise.
One of my favourite lines from the show comes from the narrator who quips: ‘Who would have thought Alec Baldwin would have shared the same role as Curly from Coronation Street!’
And our old friend Curly, a.k.a Kevin Kennedy is a surprise choice for aged rocker and Bourbon Room owner Dennis – but somehow makes the part his own.
There is much to enjoy about Strictly Come Dancing champ Kevin Clifton’s gyrating Stacee Jaxx – and who knew he could hold a tune as well! But it’s the aforementioned narrator Lonny, played by Lucas Rush who most definitely steals the show.
Congratulations to the entire cast who truly rocked their socks off. Their stunning vocals near enough lifted the roof off the Belgrade.
Rock of Ages is unashamed in its flamboyancy and you are soon swept up in it. The laughs come as thick and fast as the rock music.
It has a bizarre, often crazy storyline that is part pantomime and part parody. But it’s really only there to accommodate an impressive back catalogue of rock anthems – and that’s just fine by me. I do like a jukebox musical which is essentially what this is. It never takes itself too seriously and is deliciously camp. My advice is to embrace the craziness and enjoy the ride.
Rock of Ages runs at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry until Saturday, 16th March. Tickets are available to book now by calling the box office on 024 7655 3055 or visiting www.belgrade.co.uk where prices are even cheaper.
