Month: September 2022

QUAYS THEATRE, THE LOWRY, SALFORD – UNTIL 7TH SEPTEMBER 2022

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

5*****

The musical parody, which puts a novel twist on the story of The Little Mermaid, made a big splash at The Lowry last night and things got very wet. Multi award winning Fat Rascal Theatre brought to the stage our favourite Disney Diva, Ursula as she recalled her side of the story of what really happened all those years ago under the sea. Just as Wicked changed our perception of the Wicked Witch of the West, Unfortunate directs our attention to Ursula, rather then Ariel and it turns out the Sea Witch has been horribly misunderstood and is actually a heroin.

If you are expecting a musical similar to the Disney version of The Little Mermaid, you are in for a huge shock! With an original explicit pop soundtrack and filthy humour, the audience is in for a hilarious and thought provoking evening of sex, swearing and sorcery.

The plot takes us back 20 years to find an unapologetic Ursula, performed by Allie Dart the understudy, framed by the father of her lover Triton, performed by George Whitty. She is then banished from the kingdom of Atlantica. Go forward 20 years and Triton’s daughter, Ariel, performed by Miracle Chance, is discovering her sexuality and falls in love with Eric, performed by Jamie Mawson.

Despite being just a cast of seven, the actors work exceptionally hard throughout the performance to deliver each part, and it is easy to forget there are so few. The cast is versatile, outstanding, absolutely indescribable in everything they do and they succeed in delighting the audience.

Robyn Grant, Daniel Foxx and Tim Gilvin are collectively responsible for the book, lyrics and music. They have created a wonderful score that is memorable and pokes fun at issues and Disney. The songs are catchy and simply fabulous, and compliment the show’s themes. One of the musical highlights of the evening for me was ‘We did not make it to Disney’, performed by all the outcasts, the ugly ones and undesirables.

Unfortunate is a visual delight with an imposing set design by Abby Clarke, Cory Shipp’s imaginative costumes and impressive puppetry by Hugh Purves.

Do not be one of those Unfortunate Souls that miss out on a truly fun night out. Get yourself a ticket and get ready for a wet, wicked and wild ride at the theatre.

Darlington Hippodrome – until Sunday 11 September 2022

5*****

Tonight, we witnessed the premiere of David Walliams Demon Dentist. Presented by Birmingham Stage Company, one of the leading producers of quality theatre for children and families.

Alfie (Sam Varley) lives with his invalid father (James Mitchell)  There are just the two of them now after Alfie’s mum died when he was born.  His father is seriously ill with a lung condition from working down the mine and Alfie is his carer before and after school.  Alfie had a bad experience at the Dentist and hasn’t been for over 6 years.  But his new Social Worker Winnie (Misha Malcolm) takes it upon herself to book him an appointment with the new Dentist,  Miss Root (Emily Harrigan).

Strange things have been happening since Miss Root moved in, instead of getting a penny from the tooth fairy, children are waking up all over town to find their teeth have gone from under their pillows and replaced with stinky toenails, bat wings, toads and other gruesome things.

Raj the local shopkeeper (Zain Abrahams) helps Alfie with his plan to find out what is going on by giving Alfie one of his teeth to put under his pillow.  Its clear its something evil and when Miss Root kidnaps Alfie’s friend Gabz (Georgia Grant-Anderson), Alfie must rescue her from the old abandoned mine where Miss Root reveals she is a tooth-witch and the mine is her tooth lair.

But it takes an heroic effort from Alfie’s dad, sacrificing himself in the process to save everyone from the evil witch.  There is, however, a happy ending.

Neal Foster has done an excellent job of adapting the book for the stage, and his lyrics and Composer Jak Poore’s music give us some excellent songs.  Jacqueline Trousdale’s design works well and the simple staging adapts well.

Demon Dentist proves yet again what a fantastic author Walliams is and how Birmingham Stage really brings the book to life. 

York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 10th September 2022

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

Girl From The North Country is an award winning musical by Irish playwright Conor McPherson. Developed around the music of Bob Dylan, where McPherson was given carte blanche to cherry pick through all of Dylan’s extensive back catalogue. Though set years before Dylan’s birth, McPherson decided to use the musician’s birthplace, Duluth, Minnesota, and the year 1934, right in the middle of the Great Depression.

Centring around a failing, run down guest house, where the visitors have their own stories, none as bleak as the proprietors, Nick Laine (Colin Connor) and Elizabeth Laine (Frances McNamee). Nick is a rubbish businessman, always has been, the guesthouse was in trouble way before the recession hit. Along with burying his head in the sand about money troubles, he is caring for his dementia suffering wife. Their woes aren’t helped by their son Gene (Gregor Milne), a would-be writer who is more interested in the bottle. At least they have their adopted daughter Marianne (Justina Kehinde), but she has her own issues, most notably the prospect of being an unmarried mother.

Along with Laine family, we are introduced to the diverse group of people who inhabit the guesthouse. There is Mrs Neilsen (Nichola Macevilly), who is obviously having an affair with Nick, The Burkes and their boy-man son. The catalyst, which changes everything in the house, is the arrival of a bible salesman and a down-on-his-luck boxer.

This has a large cast, and every member has a wonderful voice, accompanied by a backing band on the stage, who only play instruments that were around in the 1930’s. Using old microphones, the songs are song to the audience, not to the other actors, making this not your regular musical at all, well none I’ve seen anyway, and it worked. The ensemble numbers are very powerful, pulsating with the beat of the tambourine and excellent voices.

I must admit that I beforehand I did not know of any Bob Dylan’s songs and only recognised a couple of them throughout the production. This did not matter; you do not have to be a fan. The whole cast shared great chemistry and delivered terrific performance. It touches on racism, adultery, austerity, mental health, all sounds really bleak, but there is a hint of hope, and it was a joy to watch.

The Grand Theatre and Opera House, Leeds – until Saturday 10th September 2022

Reviewed by Aimee Liddington.

5*****

Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers is one of the most loved British musicals of all time and over the past three decades, the show has enjoyed an enduring success. One of the reasons for its continuing popularity is simple: it relies on the age-old human principal of storytelling. From the very first moment that the curtain is lifted, the audience’s ears prick up and they are hooked until the curtain falls for the final time.

When Mrs Johnstone is deserted by her husband and left to provide for seven hungry children, she takes up a job as a house keeper in order to make ends meet. Although she is pregnant again, she seems to have it all under control – that is until she finds out that she is expecting twins. In an act of hopeless desperation, she enters into a pact with her employer which leads inevitably to the show’s spectacular but foredoomed ending. This show never disappoints and with an outstanding cast, remarkable band and all round phenomenal creative team, you are sure to receive an evening of entertainment that is second to none.

Liverpudlians are known for their warm hospitality and wit and the character of Mrs Johnstone, played by Niki Colwell Evans, epitomises these qualities. Evans is a perfect match for the casting of this role as she wins the hearts of the audience with her portrayal of Mrs Johnstone’s worldliness alongside her soft edges. It’s clear that when Evans is on stage, she whole-heartedly becomes the character and this can be seen from the emotion portrayed in the final musical number of ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’ – not only is her voice sensational but the passion she portrays is magical.

The more tragic elements of this show are broken up by many moments of comedy and Sean Jones who plays Mickey and Jay Worley who plays Eddie both do this fantastically with their depictions of the twins from childhood into adulthood. Similarly, Timothy Lucas deserves a mention for his hilarious portrayal of Sammy. It really is so clever how the adult cast are able to transform themselves into young children so believably.

Richard Munday, who plays the narrator, holds a crucial role in the audience’s understanding of the story and his omnipresence is so flawless that we barely notice when he’s there until he isn’t. Munday’s overall dramatic and musical talents are to be applauded and the narrator is obviously a fine-tuned role that he has taken time to perfect.

As mentioned before, Blood Brothers never fails to impress – it’s a must see and I can guarantee that if you go once, you’ll be back again and again and again.

The Alexandra, Birmingham – until Saturday 10th September 2022

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

5*****

Derren Brown brings Showman back to Birmingham with a bang and he does not disappoint. Tweaked and changed so as not to allow the audience to become complacent, he continues to beguile and bewilder you with a multitude of magic and mayhem throughout the night.

Derren encompasses the showman in every sense of the word and commanded our attention throughout the 2 hour and 20-minute extravaganza, including interval, with his combination of theatrics and mesmerising word play. His charisma and charm are not to be confused with the immense skill and thought that has been poured into Showman. Patterns are peppered throughout the performance, which we can follow like breadcrumbs, yet we are still left puzzled and perplexed as to what exactly took place.

The outstanding creative combination of Derren Brown, Andrew O Conner and Andy Nyman deliver a well-crafted and thoroughly enjoyable night. A show filled with the joys of life, connection and huge amounts of laughter. Its quite the task being asked to review a show you’re not supposed to talk about. First rule of Showman and all that, but without giving away any spoilers, this is a truly mesmerising show full of twists and turns and will leave you thoroughly entertained.

The takeaway from Showman is that we tend to lose focus, get caught up in the small stuff and miss out on the important moments as life passes us by and this could be true of how Derren catches us out with his masterful illusions. One thing I urge you not to miss out on is Showman. A showman through and through, Derren doesn’t disappoint as he delivers another hit show

EMPIRE THEATRE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL 10TH SEPTEMBER 2022

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

4****

One of music’s most famous and well-known families is the subject of a new musical and currently touring the UK. As my friends speak very fondly of this musical family, I was very excited when my turn came to see them at the Empire theatre last night. Despite not being overly familiar with their immense catalogue of songs or their story (shocking I know), I found myself swooning and swaying along with the audience. Written by Jay Osmond himself, this musical allowed me to learn and explore (from Jay’s perspective) the highs and lows this family faced.

It is clear from the start, just how close this family is. The setting for this musical sees Jay, performed by Alex Lodge, narrating the story, linking scenes and talking us through the drama. The cast who play the Osmond children are amazing and as soon as they walk on stage, with their red blazers and bow ties, they steal the affection of the whole audience. All with extraordinary voices, Osian Salter (young Donny), Jack Jones (young Alan), Alfie Jones (young Wayne), Harrison Skinner (young Merrill), Fraser Fowkes (young Jimmy) and Tom Walsh (young Jay) show exceptional talent and light up the theatre.

The highlight for me was when the most famous Osmond, Donny, performed by Joseph Peacock sung ‘Puppy Love’. It felt like I was at a live gig! The fans, mostly the ladies, went crazy; screaming, whistling, and waving scarves and their hands in the air! Clearly he was the heartthrob of the siblings. However each of the cast showcased their remarkable talent for singing and upbeat dancing. The siblings had an authentic chemistry that bounced off stage, and because they had fun, so did we the audience.

The choreography by Bill Deamer provided the show with a sense of nostalgia, energy and fun. The cleverly designed set, by Lucy Osborne makes you feel like you are either in the audience at a live concert or watching them on the TV.

Ingeniously there is a character Mary from Manchester, who writes fan mail to Jay and links the British fans and the group; the audience could relate to her and her obsession with the band.

I can honestly say, as Osmondmania swept through the theatre, I could not help myself but get up on my feet and be a part of the infectious atmosphere!

Lyceum, Sheffield – until 10th September 2022

Reviewed by Alison Beaumont

5*****

Beautiful tells the true story of Carole King and her rise to fame as a singer songwriter. At the age of 16 Carole pitches her first song (It Might As Well Rain Until September) to Don Kirshner a New York producer who gives Carole her first break. Not long after Carole meets Gerry Goffin who after a whirlwind romance finds out she is pregnant and the couple marry. Carole and Gerry make a name for themselves in the music industry a continue to write song after song which are successful hits. However, Carole’s personal life falls apart when Gerry announces he is having an affair. Carole relies on her friends for support including her allies Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann who were also competing for the number one spot and eventually changes her life and finds her own voice.

I am ashamed to admit it but I went to this show having not heard of Carole King. Within minutes I could not believe that some of the best ever songs that I listen to were co written by Carole and Gerry.

From start to finish the show is amazing and had a real feel good factor about it. All the actors/actresses are very talented not just singing and acting but playing musical instruments. This show doesn’t need fancy backgrounds, props and flash costumes as the performers themselves make this show. The only thing I would say on the setting part is that the scenery to the right hand side could do with being a little longer down the side as sometimes my eye would catch some of the backstage movements which could be a little off putting.

The main role of Carole is played by the extremely talented Molly-Grace Cutler and her vocals were out of this world. Gerry by Tom Milner, Cynthia Weil by Seren Sandham-Davies, Barry by Jos Slovick, and Donnie Kirshner played by Garry Robson all performed their roles brilliantly. Amena El-Kindz who played one of the Shirelles also stood out to me, this marks her touring debut and I think there will be many more to come.

You could tell without doubt that all the cast thoroughly enjoyed themselves throughout this performance

A very well deserved standing ovation by the audience which was then followed by the song “I Feel The Earth Move” which got everyone clapping and some having a bit of a dance. Amazing end to an amazing show.

I came out of this musical feeling happy and like the night was still young. When can I go back to see it again?

New Victoria Theatre Woking – until 10^th September 2022

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge  

5***** 

This amazing production brings you the story of Cher with three sublime actresses playing the one role! 

The three phases of her life start with the younger Cher – Babe (Millie O’Connell) who kicks the show off as a small child Born in 1946 to an Armenian Father and a mother of Cherokee Ancestry. Babe starts the show off as a young girl dreaming of the big time whilst struggling with the world around her! With so much trust and innocence in her eyes, she embarks on her journey only playing her fate into the hands of people that will later go on to upset and betray her! Her career begins when she meets Sonny (Lucas Rush) as they go on to have a happy at first but later challenging relationship. Although with much happiness comes much sadness and unless in the spotlight you see the story of their relationship begin to fall. Some dominant scenes and emotions along with her experiences are released through her songs and we get a great many examples of this from Babe as she rocks out some amazing music that we all know and love. Her talent is extraordinary and has the whole audience focused throughout her performance.  

Cher’s second phase is mastered by Lady (Danielle Steers) Once again there is nothing that disappoints. She plays a fierce Cher who begins to take control of her life and becomes stronger. What a star! Along with some awesome moves and vocals that have so much power and sharpness that it just blows you away! Truly tremendous. 

Cher’s Third phase is conquered by Star (Debbie Kurup) playing the eldest version of Cher who appears wiser and more acknowledgeable who is courageous and strong. 

She definitely stamps her mark on the show with vocals that are so immensely fabulous and outstanding alongside her dance performances.  

The talent between the three Cher’s is just phenomenal and they each hold a major part in the show. They all seem to have an exquisite combination of pure talent that has the whole audience captivated from start to finish. They have a great connection on stage and I love where they discuss moments of their lives throughout the show helping each other with concern and seriousness of their 3 stages of their lives.

Their voices when joined together produce something so special its flawless.  

The choreography was fabulously done to a high standard was incredible to watch and was so sharp and on point it couldn’t have been done any better!  

As for the costumes what more could you ask for wigs, sparkles, tassels, thigh boots to die for and so much glitz and glamour offering unique costumes that just shimmered through the great lighting whilst on stage. To be honest everything just blew me away totally eye-catching and electrifying! 

What an incredible production that was captivating from start to finish filled with the most remarkable songs that had the audience all singing to the very end. With a standing ovation so much cheering dancing and participation. This is by all means one show that should not be missed!!  

If you fancy a spectacular evening out, then get yourself to ‘The Cher Show’ if I could have given it more stars I certainly would have!!!! 

LOUISE REDKNAPP, GIOVANNA FLETCHER, JAY MCGUINESS, KIMBERLY WYATT, JAKE QUICKENDEN, HARRY JUDD, JOANNE CLIFTON, LAWRENCE CHANEY, VANITY MILAN, ELLA VADAY…

…announced as Special Guests for FRIENDSICAL the parody musical inspired by iconic TV show Friends

Today, star-studded guest cameos have been announced for the acclaimed Friendsical musical which is touring the country off the back of its success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Friendsical is an original, unique parody musical, written and directed by Miranda Larson [Christmasaurus, The Night Pirates, Cartoon Network Live], inspired by the hugely popular and beloved US TV show Friends that will tour the UK from Exeter to Aberdeen this September to November.

Ross, Rachel, Joey, Monica, Chandler, and Phoebe have been with us for nearly 30 years. They are still there for us, and this time a stage show musical parody crams all 10 seasons and 236 episodes into just over two hours of nostalgic fun.

The star-studded guest cameos include acclaimed singer songwriter and West End lead Louise Redknapp (Southampton, Salford), and The Pussycat Dolls Kimberly Wyatt (Cardiff, Huddersfield, Horsham, Bath), who delighted audiences as a judge on Sky 1 series Got to Dance, is a winner of the 2015 series of Celebrity MasterChef and finalist in ITV’s Dancing On Ice 2022. Also joining the cast is author, presenter, podcaster and winner of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here Giovanna Fletcher (Hull) and Harry Judd (Dartford), drummer in multi-platinum selling band McFly, Strictly Come Dancing champion, The One Show presenter, West End performer and author.

Also included is Jake Quickenden (Bristol, Northampton, Colchester, Leicester, Aberdeen), who rose to prominence as a finalist on X Factor in 2014 and won Dancing on Ice in 2018. Jake is no stranger to theatre performances either, starring in the UK tour of Hair and most recently in the UK tour of Footloose 2022. Ballroom champion, Strictly Come Dancing star, and musical theatre performer Joanne Clifton (Cardiff, Bradford, Sheffield) will waltz right onto the Friendsical set and West End performer, winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2015 and member of the hugely successful band The Wanted, Jay McGuiness (Bath) will be sure to entertain theatre go-ers.

On top of that Friendsical will be welcoming not one but three incredible queens, Lawrence Chaney (Harrogate, Dundee, Cheltenham, Eastbourne, Sheffield), a British drag icon and winner of the 2^nd series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, they entered the UK charts at number 3 with their song ‘UK Hun?’ in the drag group The United Kingdolls and is the star of the BBC Three series ‘Tartan Around’. Also sashaying onto the stage is Vanity Milan (Exeter), who competed in season 3 of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, and whose lip syncing is second to none, and singer, dancer, drag star Ella Vaday (Salford) who is no strange to the stage having appeared in countless musicals before appearing on Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK season 3.  

Friendsical is an original, unique parody musical, written and directed by Miranda Larson [Christmasaurus, The Night Pirates, Cartoon Network Live], inspired by the hugely popular and beloved US TV show Friends that will tour the UK from Exeter to Aberdeen this September and October.  Ross, Rachel, Joey, Monica, Chandler, and Phoebe have been with us for 30 years. They are still there for us, and this time a stage show musical parody crams all 10 seasons and 236 episodes into just over two hours of nostalgic fun.

Join all six friends and some incredibly special guests as they sit around the iconic brown couch in Central Perk and take a trip down memory lane, with all the absolute best inside jokes, unforgettable scenes and storylines included.

Featuring original songs such as ‘(He’s her) Lobster!,’ ‘Richard’s Moustache’ and ‘You’re Over Me? When Were You Under Me?’, the gang take on naked Thursdays, a power cut, and a dinosaur convention. 

What could possibly go wrong?

Writer-director Miranda Larson says, “The guest stars in Friendsical are in homage to the guest stars the TV Show had and the range of amazing characters they played. In our show, the guest star arrives only they don’t know what guest character they are playing, so they pop up throughout the show trying to find the right part to play. Eventually they land a part in a big disco number… who are they playing? I couldn’t possibly say.”

Playing everyone’s favourite friends are Sario Solomon as Joey, Sarah Michelle-Kelly as Monica, Nelson Bettencourt as Ross, Tim Edwards as Chandler, Ally Retberg as Phoebe, Amelia Kinu Muus as Rachel, Olivia Williamson as Hot Girl/Ensemble and Tanveer Singh Devgun as Gunther/Male Ensemble.

With book and lyrics by Miranda Larson and music by Barrie Bignold, Friendsicalis choreographed by Darren Carnall and associate choreographer Michael Vinsen. The set and costume are designed by Anthony Lamble with lighting design by Dominic Jeffrey and sound design by Olly Steel. Casting is by Nicholas Hockaday and it is produced by Nick Brooke, William Burdett Coutts, Philip Noel and Dave Mauchline.

Friendsical is produced by Brooke Mauchline Productions Ltd in association with Assembly Festival.

Twitter: @FriendsicalLive  Instagram: / @FriendsicalLive

This is a loving parody not to be confused with the Warner Bros Entertainment Inc. series Friends.

LISTING INFORMATION

Running Time: 130 mins

Tickets can be booked via https://www.friendsicallive.com/#book-now

Southampton

MAST Mayflower Studios

5 – 7 September 2022
Mon, Tues & Wed, 7:30pm: £12.50-£29.50

GUEST STAR: LOUISE REDKNAPP

Cardiff

New Theatre

8 – 10 September 2022
Thurs, Fri, Sat 7:30pm: £12.50-£29.50

GUEST STAR: KIMBERLEY WYATT / JOANNE CLIFTON

Bristol 

Redgrave Theatre

12 – 13 September 2022
Mon, Tues, 7:30pm: £24.50 plus booking fee

GUEST STAR: JAKE QUICKENDEN

Northampton

Derngate Theatre

14 – 15 September 2022
Wed & Thurs 7:30pm: £13.00 – £32.00

GUEST STAR: JAKE QUICKENDEN

Bradford

St George’s Hall

16 – 17 September 2022
Fri 7:30pm: £24.00 – £30.00

Sat 2:30pm & 7:30 pm: £24.00 – £30.00

GUEST STAR: JOANNE CLIFTON

Sheffield

City Hall

18 – 19 September 2022
Sun & Mon, 7:30pm: £30.10 

GUEST STAR: LAWRENCE CHANEY / JOANNE CLIFTON

Colchester

Mercury Theatre

21 – 22 September 2022
Wed & Thurs, 7:30pm: £23.50

GUEST STAR: JAKE QUICKENDEN

Huddersfield

Lawrence Batley Theatre

23 – 25 September 2022
Fri, Sat & Sun, 7:30pm: £10.00 – £26.00

GUEST STAR: KIMBERLEY WYATT

Harrogate

Harrogate Theatre

3-5 October 2022

Mon, Tues, Wed, 7:30pm: £16.00 – £128.00

GUEST STAR: LAWRENCE CHANEY

Horsham

The Capitol

6-8 October

Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, 2:30pm & 7:30pm: £24.50 – £26.50

GUEST STAR: KIMBERLEY WYATT

Bath

Theatre Royal

11-15 October

Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, 2:30pm & 7:30pm: £6.50 – £38.50

GUEST STAR: KIMBERLEY WYATT / JAY McGUINESS

Dundee

Whitehall Thetare

17-19 October

Mon, Tues, Wed, 7:30pm: £23.00

GUEST STAR: LAWRENCE CHANEY

Aberdeen

His Majesty’s Theatre

20-22 October

Thurs, Fri, Sat, 7:30pm: £24.50 – £34.50

GUEST STAR: JAKE QUICKENDEN

Dartford

Orchard Theatre

27-29 October

Thurs, Fri, Sat, 7:30pm: £22.50 – £35.00

GUEST STAR: HARRY JUDD

Leicester

De Monfort Hall

30 October

Sun, 7:30pm: £27.50 – £32.50

GUEST STAR: JAKE QUICKENDEN

Salford

The Lowry

31 – 5 November

Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, 2pm, 8pm, 8:30pm: £23.00 – £29.00

GUEST STAR: LOUISE REDKNAPP / ELLA VADAY

Hull

Hull Truck Theatre

8 – 11 November

Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, 7:30pm: £20.00 – £28.50

GUEST STAR: GIOVANNA FLETCHER

Cheltenham

Cheltenham Town Hall

12 – 13 November

Sat, Sun, 7:30pm: £27.00

GUEST STAR: LAWRENCE CHANEY

Eastbourne

Devonshire Park Theatre

14 – 15 November

Mon, Tues, 7:45pm: £21.00 – £29.00

GUEST STAR: LAWRENCE CHANEY

Exeter

Northcott Theatre

16 – 19 November

Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, 2:30pm, 7:30pm: £23.50 – £28.50

GUEST STAR: VANITY MILAN

Sunderland Empire  – until 10 October 2022

5*****

I’ve not always been a middle aged mother of three.  In the 80’s I discovered rock music, black eyeliner and attitude.  I was a Rock Chick and Rock of Ages is the soundtrack to my teens.

This a wonderful cheesy, pantomime-esque show.  Set in LA in the 1980’s it has an element of sleaze about it but very tongue in cheek and if the show doesn’t take itself seriously – should we?

Dennis (Kevin Kennedy) owns the The Bourbon Room on Sunset Strip, he has employees Drew (Sam Turrell) and Lonny (the marvellous Joe Gash).  When Sherrie (Gabrielle Williams) leaves her home in the country, she’s mugged outside the Bourbon Room within minutes of arriving on the Strip. Drew takes her in to tend her injuries and Dennis gives her a job as a waitress.  Drew wants to rock as Wolfgang Von Colt and Sherrie encourages him to follow his dream.

Across town, father and son German’s Hertz (Vas Constanti) and Franz (David Breeds) are trying to convince the Mayor (Billy Roberts) to let them knock down the Strip and build a Footlocker instead.  But Planning Officer Regina (Vicki Manser) has other ideas and plans a protest to save the Strip.

Enter into the middle of this, the lead singer of Arsenal, soon to be solo artist, Stacee Jaxx (Cameron Sharp) and madness ensues.   After Stacee gets Sherrie fired she ends up in the care of Justice (Natalie Winsor) working in the Venus Club. Will there be a happy ending?

Joe Gash as Lonny moves the plot along, totally irreverent he breaks the fourth wall and flirts with the audience.  Stealing every scene he is in (and it is nearly every scene), he adds most of the humour in the show. Flirting with Lindsay in the audience, it felt like he was flirting with me (after all, I am a Lindsay too!)

Rock of Ages is filled with funny moments: Hit Me With Your Best Shot being hilarious and Franz uttering the best line in musical theatre “I’m not gay, I’m German”.  Love stories: I Can’t Fight This Feeling being the best love scene ever.  And some awesome vocals; Sam Turrell holding his note in Oh Sherrie for what felt like hours, Sherrie and Stacee’s Hate Myself for Lovin’ You/ Heat of the Moment and Natalie Winsor’s powerhouse performance in every song she sings.  

I have a very soft spot for Rock of Ages, the original West End show is where I ended up falling into reviewing, and this tour exceeded all my expectations, being even better than the original.  Chris D’Arienzo’s book, Nick Winston’s direction and choreography and Barney Ashworth’s musical direction have given producers Selladoor a hit show.  With a live band constantly on stage (Liam Holmes, Liam Stevenson, Alex Ward, Elliot Mason and Steve Hynes) it’s a permanent rock party live on stage every night.

On tour around the UK www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk is the perfect bit of sparkle to banish away those winter blues.