Rock of Ages At Kings Theatre Portsmouth Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Jan Dixon
Wow! Just Wow! Enthusiastic, stunning, brilliant, musically amazing, funny, toe-tapping, emotional and all-round entertaining! Just a few descriptions to show what I and the audience have experienced on the opening night of Rock of Ages at the Kings Theatre, Portsmouth on 29th May 2024.
The show runs between 29th May 2024 to 1st June 2024 inclusive at 19:30 with a matinee performance at 14:30 on 1st June 2024. Ticket prices start from £18.00 with concessions available. Running time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes (including interval).
It is a musical comedy which is set in Los Angeles in the era of the 1980’s with an underlying love story between various members of the cast. The show had previously had extensive runs in the West End, Broadway and Las Vegas and was made into a Hollywood movie. Benchmark Musical Theatre produced this performance for the Kings Theatre with a fantastic live band consisting of Liam Stevenson (Guitar 1); Dan Brown (Keys); Paul Welsh (Guitar 2) Callum James (Bass) and Sam Sanders (Drums). It is hard to believe that just these five talented musicians played all of the music for the wide range of 1980’s iconic anthems – immense credit is given to all of them.
Throughout a narrator (Matt Gibbins) tells the story about a nightclub which is due to be closed and the attempts made by the bands and public to keep it open. Matt also plays the part of Lonny Barnett in the show, who has a surprising tryst with another cast member (no spoilers!) There is a key love story which develops between Sherrie Christian (Amy Pickance) and Drew Boley (Sam Townsend) and this is the main focus. These are excellent accomplished vocalists and carry out the majority of the songs in the show. The young and innocent Sherrie is lured into the clutches of a Strip Club owner, Justice Charlier played brilliantly by Emily Horner, who has an absolutely stunning voice. There are many twists and turns in the storyline, with caricatures of rock band singers played so well by Perry Ralls (Dennis Dupree), Jacob Bailey (Stacee Jaxx); the latter hilarious in his over-the-top performance of a lecherous and deluded 1980’s rock star. There is also a subplot involving Hertz Klinneman (Alan Jenkins) and his son Franz Klinneman (Finlay Hughes) who want to buy up the club and build on the land. Regina Koontz (Olivia Robinson) leads a band of protesters opposing this plan, who also has a surprising love interest.
Of course, the mainstay of this show is the many instantly recognisable rock anthems – including We Built This City, Nothin’ But A Good Time, The Final Countdown, Here I Go Again, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Can’t Fight This Feeling, I Want To Know What Love Is, Waiting For A Girl Like You and Every Rose Has It’s Thorn. Over 25 songs played – expertly interwoven within the many plots in the story. All of the cast sing and dance throughout and look like they are thoroughly enjoying themselves. This enjoyment is infectious and draws the audience in as part of the interactive experience. There are eight dancers and other members of the ensemble, including Alexander S-Roberts (Father/Producer), Will McGovern (Ja’Keith Gill, Ben Horner (Strip Club DJ), Dan Farmiloe (Mayor/Joey Primo), Sarah Melville (Waitress 1), Emma Hall (Constance Sack) and Emma Brown (Mother).
The scenery is fixed, showing the inside of a nightclub with various extensions opened up when needed, including an office and toilet. The balconies were also used to great dramatic effect by the cast which added another dimension to the performance. The production team consisted of Neil Bryant (Stage Management), Scott Dowell (Stage Management), Lee Stoddart (Lighting Designer), Seventh Wave Audio (Sound, Holly Sandford (Follow Spots), Paul Moroney (Follow Spots) Tammy English (Costumes) and Caroline Moloney (Props).
The choreography by Helen Stoddart (Director and Choreographer) is absolutely excellent, especially considering the number of people involved. Some scenes had different dances taking place with different cast members at the same time – an amazing feat which was superbly accomplished!
I would thoroughly recommend this show and guarantee you will have an amazing and very entertaining evening with excellent songs, choreography, and a trip down memory lane. It is impossible not to sing along (albeit to yourself) during this show!
Tickets range from £10 to £25 with concessions available for some price bands
Rock of Ages is taking place until Saturday 1st June at Various Times
https://www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk/whatson-event/rock-of-ages-benchmark-musical-theatre/
Rating: 5/5