Rock of Ages

Mayflower, Southampton

 

ROCK of Ages is a musical like no other, with the thrill and noise of a rock concert, the love story of a drama and the gags of a comedy. It surprises and grips in equal measure.

Although at times a little crude, its these twists and turns that make the audience flock back to this West End favourite.

The story is set in the 80s against the backdrop of Rock and Roll. It follows a wannabe musician Drew (Noel Sullivan), and actress Sherrie (Cordelia Farnworth), as they try to make their way in the dark underbelly of Los Angeles.

Their tale of love is played out through a mixture of classic 80s power ballads and lesser known tunes that epitomise the decade.

This hair-raising collection of music is brilliantly performed by the house band and the audience might actually be mistaken for thinking that they have been transported to a classic 80s rock concert. Yet, just as the music reaches a crescendo Lonny, the narrator, deftly played by Stephen Rahman-Hughes, introduces the audience to some genuine laugh out loud comedy.

The show is at times a little vulgar, with many sexual references, but this sums up the essence of true rock, including the drugs, sex and lifestyle that comes with it.

Rock of Ages is an absolute must see as it beats off the path of a normal musical and takes the audience on a real adventure that can’t be replicated by any other show.

It runs until Saturday at the Mayflower and tickets are still available at mayflower.org.uk.

Alex Rennnie