REVIEW: ‘ROCK OF AGES’

Music Theatre South

The Stage Door

TAKE thirty-one hit rock songs, a versatile cast of sixteen, a very funny script, a driving five-piece band and you have this show! Set in the 1980s in and around Sunset Strip, LA, the story charts the parallel fortunes of a young couple and a music venue. Harry Butterwick and Imogen Johnson really shine as wanabees Drew and Sherrie, with Sam Dunning and Patrick Stewart, as club owner/manager Lonny and sidekick Dennis Dupree, matching them. Neil Tallant was energetic as fading front-man Stacee Jaxx and there were major contributions from Ophelia Matthius (Justice) and Natalie Baker (Regina). Ian Watts and madcap Chris Pearce (Hertz and Frank Klinemann) also did very well. Directed by Adam Myers, the cast made full-use of the venue, with the thrust stage enabling an instant rapport with the capacity audience. Chris Ball led the band and with the lively ensemble choreography a feature, this is a great night out!

Runs until Sat 30th April

Alan Johns