‘Anywhere You Want it, Thats the Way You Need it!’ Rock of Ages, Orchard Theatre, Dartford 26.10.2021.
It was back to the Sunset Strip, ok Orchard Theatre for tonights opening of Rock of Ages! A personal favourite and I could not wait to see the new cast in action!
Rock of Ages is set in the 80s on the sunset strip of LA, where rock music was god and love and drugs followed. Drew a wannabe rock star, dreams of his name ‘Wolfgang Von Halt’ in the billboards, and Sherrie a wannabe actress dreams of the Oscars. Though upon meeting the realize that maybe dreaming isn’t what it’s cut out to be! With musical songs from rock bands such as Journey, Bon Jovi, and Poison, this rock jukebox musical is loud, in your face and unique in every way!
Nick Winston returns to bring back the Rock musical, directing and also creating the choreography, Nick gives it a bit of an uplift from the days when it lived on the West End. The thing you need to understand about this musical is it makes fun of itself, with actors breaking the fourth wall to interact with the audience – it’s not deemed in anyway a serious show and one to not be taken to seriously – I mean you have grown adults riding around on children’s diggers, motorbikes and tractors! This is a show to just enjoy and that is what it will give you entertainment, laughs and have you rocking in your seat! something some critics don’t seem to get but the fans or ROAdies surely do. I personally love it! Nick makes sure all of this is included within this production, but also brings his own take – the vehicles, the messing around with the stage lights and I particular loved the edition to The Search is Over with the train passenger (played by Sam Turrell) bringing some excellent comic moments that had us laughing through this romantic ballard! Along with directing Nick choreography will always blow me away, you can tell he plans every step to a fine detail which makes sure it looks amazing complimenting each song. Showing amazing lifts and steps, especially in the Venus room!
The cast tonight were – excuse the pun Rockin’ tonight. If you are a true fan of Rock of Ages then you know that this show has to have the perfect Lonny, the narrator and conjurer of the show played tonight by Joe Gash took the role in his stride. At first however, I felt he was a little high pitched at times which made it hard to catch what he was saying – meaning some jokes were lost but as the show went on he did improve and had the audience falling in love with him and eating out of the palm of his hand! His relationship with Dennis played by Ross Dawes, was a lot of fun to watch and you could tell they were enjoying what they were doing especially during ‘I Can’t Fight This Feeling‘ where even Joe couldn’t control his laughter to Dennis amazing abilities of cartwheels! Ross also had a strong voice that suited the rock songs perfectly!
The other couples of the show was that of Sherrie and Drew, played by Rhiannon Chsterman and Luke Walsh, there relationship also excelled on stage and you knew that they were meant for each other – even though there was a few bumps in the way. Luke and Rhiannon really showed of their powerful vocals with every song that they sung. Luke in particular had an amazing range, he was great to listen to. Rhiannon had the sweet and innocent but had a naughty side down to a tee for Sherrie making her loveable from the get go. We then had Regina and Franz, Gabriella Willias and Andrew Carthy, who steal the show with Hit Me With Your Best Shot! They were sweet and cute, with some amazing comical moments which they excelled at!
I was extra excited to see Kevin Clifton on stage, known best for his time on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing he now follows in his sisters step and takes on musical theatre with ease. His Stacee Jaxx was perfect and he is by far my favourite that I have seen. His voice is so strong and powerful and I can only hope to see him in other roles for him to show it off more. You could tell he felt at home in front of an audience and was happy to be back performing!
No matter what, you are guaranteed a great night of Rock with this show! It may not be for everyone, but for me this show hits all the right notes, comedy, fun, romance and most importantly Rock! The cast ensure they slay every number and the story is entertaining for all to enjoy, which is reflected when the audience are dancing up from their seats at the end of the show!
Rock of Aces plays at the Orchard Theatre until Saturday 30th October, for all ticket information go here. It will then continue on its rock n roll tour, for all dates and ticket information go here. Please note, Kevin Clifton is only due to be playing Stacee Jaxx until the beginning of December.
