Rock Of Ages

Any musical with “rock” in the title has never particularly filled me with extreme joy. ‘We Will Rock You’, for example, never appealed to me given that I was never tremendously enamoured with the repertoire of Queen. However, ‘Rock Of Ages’ at the Theatre Royal Brighton has swayed me over to the rock musical.

Truth be told, I had been informed it was excellent by friends who had seen the London version. But this touring regional production was just as impressive as any London-housed show. The actors were all superb, the singing was excellent and the set was great. I wasn’t sure about some of the over-contrasted graphics on the screen at the back, but then again, that’s what the 80s were about (in a way). The main storyline saw the male and female lead get together through the power of rock. She was great, he was a little lack-lustre. Esepcially in contrast with the other dominant male, Stacy the heartthrob hunk, who was slick and hilarious.

I hadn’t heard of a lot of the songs but they were all well placed, which is where musicals of this nature can sometimes go wrong. The script of this show is perhaps a little weak, but that’s by no fault of anyone involved in this show. On the contrary, the show had me laughing and tapping my feet to the synthy tunes and catchy songs that have been incorporated into this story.

Whilst audience participation can all get a bit cringe, the way the punters were talked to by the compere-type character worked nicely as a side of sardonic integration, removing the fourth wall nicely and consequently prompting everyone to be on their feet at the end of the show.

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable show which is great entertainment. Some references and scenes were a little adult so perhaps don’t take the kids…

Theatre Royal Brighton, 12 August 2014

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