Rock of Ages at the Lyceum Theatre Sheffield Review

Reviewed by Lindsay Burton

Don’t stop believin’, children of the ’80s. The totally awesome decade will live forever in our hearts as well as onstage in the cheeseball musical “Rock of Age”. The enthusiastic crowd were more than ready to sample the onstage action and the cast did not disappoint!

From the opening scenes you can tell that Rock of Ages the Musical is a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, in fact it indulges in being a parody of all things ‘Rock’. You’ve got the womanizing rock god Stacee Jaxx (Sam Ferriday), the wannabe rockstar Drew, who works behind the bar (Luke Walsh) and the hot ‘small town girl’ Sherrie (Rhiannon Chesterman) a rock groupie who yearns to be wild!

If you’re looking for a plot then you’ll be left disappointed, as there’s very little in the way of a storyline but there are some classic songs in this jukebox musical including; Poison’s Every Rose Has Its Thorn, Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing and Bon Jovi’s Wanted Dead or Alive.

Lucas Rush steals the show as cheeky narrator Lonny. He has some great banter with the audience and despite being a little too close to the bone with his innuendo, Rush has boundless infectious energy that makes him extremely watchable and charismatic. Hats off to Wendy who had caught his eye in the audience.

Singer/songwriter Luke Walsh delivers some great vocals as Drew displaying a strong performance which, along with his back catalogue of theatre credits that will see him go far on stage and off. Rhiannon Chesterman is perfect casting as love interest Sherrie, belting out power ballads with ease and showing off an enviable figure in the skimpiest of outfits, leaving very little to the imagination.

Sherrie meets Drew and the two fall hard over a four-pack of wine coolers. They’re running with the shadows of the night as reinvigorating threatens the future of the L.A. Strip and a rockstar with a thing for llamas, the long-locked metal head Stacee Jaxx (a showstopping turn by Sam Ferriday), holds court in the men’s restroom. These silly subplots play out against a headbanger homage score including hits from Def Leppard, Foreigner, Night Ranger and REO Speedwagon.

Special mention to Dennis (Kevin Kennedy) with some fancy acrobatics (wink), Regina (Erin Bell) and Justice (Zoe Birkett) for awesome vocals and last but not least, Hertz and Franz (Vas Constanti and Andrew Carthy) for some brilliant laughs.

Brilliant vocals by the entire cast, every song was sung with such passion and power! Fantastic dancing by the ensemble, definitely one of the best shows I have watched in some time. The cast have a great connection with each other and an intense passion for the era. A show that you have to see! A small word to the wise though, this show is definitely for adults only! Steer clear of bringing your kids as one unfortunate lady found out last night with her group of 12 year olds…

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost from £18 to £48 (booking fees may apply).

Rock of Ages is at the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield from 26 November to 1 December 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk or call the box office on 0114 249 6000.

Lyceum Theatre, Norfolk St, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 1DA ‎| 0114 249 6000