Reviewed by Louise Watts
There is nothing that can remind me of my care free younger days more than a blast of 80’S music. With my age ticking on, it is lovely to be taken back to my youth even if it is just for an hour or two! Last night (20 November), my husband and I enjoyed a rare night out together at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford where we saw “Rock of Ages”. We had both seen the show several years ago in London so knew roughly what to expect. However, neither of us have the memory we used to have so it was lovely to be able to see it again!
The story is set in the mid 1980’S on Sunset Strip – a place where rock wannabees and “actors” come to make their dreams happen. With a German invasion by Hertz (Vas Constanti) and his son Franz (Andrew Carthy), the strip comes under threat with their plans to redevelop it. Can rock outdo the developers? With a love story thrown in between rock hopeful Drew (Luke Walsh) and acting dreamer Sherrie (Danielle Hope), this has everything you could want to take you back to your youth – the music is fantastic and contains all the best loved 80’S rock anthems including “We built this city”, “Dead or alive”, “I want to know what love is” and many more.
There are many risqué moments and it is certainly not a show for children as there are many adult themes running through the story. I would personally set an age of over 16 to see this show. My 15-year-old would deal with the themes but would probably feel very embarrassed watching it in certain places!
The show had success written all over it when you look at the cast. Kevin Kennedy has come a long way since his role as Curly Watts in Coronation Street. I saw Kevin in Fat Friends the Musical and having seen him last night in a rather different role, it demonstrates just how good and versatile an actor he is!
Reality tv was a winner also, with both Danielle Hope – winner from “Over the Rainbow” playing Sherrie and Zoe Birkett – winner of “Pop Idol” 2002 playing Justice. It is clear that these two ladies deserved the career they have now forged following their success on tv and Zoe Birkett, for me, was simply incredible. Her voice is truly magnificent.
If I were to give awards for cast members, they would be as follows:
Award for the most “wow” moment – goes to Sinead Kelly as waitress #1 for her opening line of Mr. Big “To be with you”. I was simply not expecting that voice and it literally blew me away. We want more of you Sinead!!
Award for most pearly white teeth goes to Andrew Carthy as Franz. I was right at the back of the theatre and I could see the teeth coming before I saw Andrew!
Award for most polished character goes to Lucas Rush for his role as Lonny/Narrator. Lucas made this show, he added a comedy element that just made you chuckle constantly.
The set was superb and versatile, and the costumes were at times small but perfectly suited to the story. My favourite costume was Franz rainbow coloured one piece!
I would thoroughly recommend this show to anyone who is a rock lover at heart. You cannot beat some of the 80’S anthems and they are guaranteed to cheer you up. You need to go with a light-hearted mind though and take the story in the manner it is intended. You cannot be too serious, or you will completely miss the point!
The Orchard Theatre was as always, a delightful venue. Situated right by the shopping centre with easy access to the car park makes the theatre very appealing. Parking for the evening is cheap at £3 and the best news is you can pay for your parking on arrival so there is no need to queue after the show finishes. This is clearly a well-kept secret though as the queues were extremely long to pay after the show and I felt a little smug not to have to join them. The staff at the theatre are always keen and willing to help and there are very good facilities on site for food and drinks, whether that be alcoholic or soft.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £20 to £43.50 (booking fees may apply).
Rock of Ages is at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford from 20-24 November 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01322 220000.
The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED | 01322 220000
