Milton Keynes Theatre is the place to be this week! MKFM Presenter Sam Carmichael went along to watch Rock of Ages and here is her review…
Well, it has been a long time coming! I have spent 18 months reminiscing about theatre trips and dreaming about the day I could return. I was intrigued, and slightly anxious, to see how theatre staff would respond to the reopening but I must say that I felt incredibly safe from the get-go. I arrived during my allocated time slot, showed my COVID pass, and was able to enter the auditorium early to prevent queues. The high level of organisation meant I could relax and enjoy the show.
If you haven’t heard, Rock of Ages is a jukebox musical comedy that features dozens of classic 80s rock anthems. It has had seasons on Broadway, the West End, in Las Vegas… and even has a Hollywood movie version.
The musical, set in West Hollywood, follows the story of aspiring actress Sherrie and hopeful rocker Drew as they navigate their relationship and rocky dreams. It also centres around The Bourbon Room, a rock and roll club at the heart of the Sunset Strip, and the looming plans for German developers to demolish it. Without giving away too much, the entertaining cast take you on a journey of laughs and gasps throughout.
As soon as the curtain lifted, I knew I was in for a treat. From the stage design to the theatre lighting, I was immediately transported to the 1980s. The cast started with a mashup of rock hits including Slade’s Feel the Noize. You quickly become acquainted with the characters, including the omniscient narrator Lonny who breaks the fourth wall and engages the audience throughout the show. His cheeky comments had me in bits!
Another character that blew me away was Stacee Jaxx, played by none other than Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin Clifton. We all knew that Kevin could dance but boy can he sing and act. He, and Rhiannon Chesterman who plays Sherrie, had the crowd signing along to the classic ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’.
The jukebox of hits throughout the show also includes The Final Countdown, We Built This City, and the big finale of Don’t Stop Believing. One thing that struck me during each musical performance was the sheer passion and talent from each of the cast. You could tell that they were having the time of their lives! The energy radiated across the room and had the audience singing at the top of their lungs.
Rock of Ages brings the feel-good factor that we all need right now. If you’re looking for an opportunity to support the theatre industry while rocking your socks off, then head down to Milton Keynes Theatre this week. You won’t regret it!
Rock of Ages is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 2nd October and you can find out more, and buy tickets, by clicking here.
