#TheatreReporters: ROCK OF AGES REVIEW

Posted on 21 March 2012

This juke box musical sees popular, loved classic 80’s songs come to life in the incredible atmosphere of the theatre but does the mash up lack a quality storyline? Definitely not!

The musical tells the story of Drew and Sherrie, a South Detroit boy wishing to become a Rock-Star and a small town girl wanting to make it in the film world.
 
This star headlined musical has undoubtedly attracted audience members by having X Factor winner Shayne Ward (Stacee Jaxx) and actor and comedian Justin Lee Collins (Dennis Dupree) but the leads, Oliver Tompsett (Drew) and at the time I saw it Jodie Jacobs (Sherrie), do not get enough recognition. That is in no way a criticism to both Shayne Ward and Justin Lee Collins, both were incredible but I believe other less known cast members deserve promotion too. Both Oliver Tompsett and Jodie Jacobs were flawless in their performances showing the struggle many artists trying to start their careers have.
 
The energy flooded through in the performance, they were truly rocking.  Unfamiliarity with some songs did not affect the story line at all and the big group numbers such as ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ and ‘Here I Go Again’ were full of character. One slight criticism is the show is definitely not suitable for a younger audience; the costume of some ensemble members was almost non-existent although this may just be due to the period in which it was set. Other than that I encourage everyone to go see this show, especially if you’re an 80’s music fan!

Submitted by guest blogger @forgoodxxx