Theatre / Reviews
Review: Rock of Ages, Hippodrome
The audience is transported to the 1980s in Rock of Ages when sex, drugs and rock n’ roll dominated the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles.
The story – of which there is not too much – is narrated by the captivating Stephen Rahman-Hughes as Lonny with some charismatic interjections, an infectious giggle and even some off-the-cuff moments with ex-Hear’say star Noel Sullivan.
Our star crossed lovers are Drew (Sullivan), who dreams of becoming a rock star as his alter-ego Wolfgang Von Colt, and Sherrie (the effervescent Cordelia Farnworth), an aspiring actress.
The pair meet in a bar run by Dennis Dupree (Daniel Fletcher), who with long hair and beard appears remarkably similar to Dupree from the original West End production: Bristol’s disgraced funnyman Justin Lee-Collins.
Unfortunately their love is thwarted by rock legend Stacie Jaxx (Ben Richards), who singlehandedly brought the sex, drugs and rock n’ roll to the production, as the Sunset strip is being threatened by a German investor.
Needless to say the plot’s main function was to lend itself to as many 80s hits as possible and even Lonny commented on the predictability of the whole affair in a refreshingly self-deprecating manner.
Among the supporting cast, Jessie May as Reg-I-na was particularly good, especially her rendition of We’re Not Gonna Take it by American heavy metal band Twisted Sister.
The choreography by Kelly Devine was eye-catching and perfectly performed by the female cast members, regularly switching from rockers to exotic dancers.
The five-piece band, who were performing on stage for almost the entirety of the show, demonstrated what rock n’ roll is truly about – if your dreams of playing stadiums with Metallica are dashed and you have to make do with musical theatre.
There may have been too many songs trying to be shoe-horned into a musical which at times forgot it wasn’t an 80s tribute concert, but every song was well received by an audience who couldn’t wait to jump out of their seats to the final number, Don’t Stop Believin’.
By Jo Holloway
Rock of Ages is at the Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday. For tickets and more information, visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/rock-of-ages/bristol-hippodrome/.
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