Rock of Ages at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Review
Rock of Ages
Regent Theatre,
Stoke-on-Trent
15-19 July 2014
www.atgtickets.com/regent-theatre
Reviewed by Debbie Tasker
Being an 80’s throwback myself and a big fan of rock music and anything to do with that era I was very much looking forward to the performance of Rock of Ages at the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent last night. We had a thoroughly enjoyable evening and would go again tonight in a heartbeat. If you like music and most especially rock It really is a must see show.
Packed full of mainly well know rock songs including We Built This City, More Than Words, Wanted Dead or Alive, Every Rose Has Its Thorn, I Can’t Fight This Feeling, Keep On Loving You, Don’t Stop Believin’ and my personal favourites Cum Feel The Noize and Here I Go Again, the show never takes itself too seriously and is full of cheap cheesy gags and lots of smut and below the belt humour.
Based on Chris O’Arienzo’s book Drew (Noel Sullivan of Hear’Say fame) and Sherrie (Cordelia Farnworth who I feel sure is going to become a household name) dream of becoming rock stars. They both work at The Bourbon Rooms on the Hollywood strip. The place is owned by Dennis Dupree (Daniel Fletcher) with the help of his side kick Lonny (Stephen Raham-Hughes) who runs a rocking joint but the mayor has other ideas and decides to introduce clean living instead to Sunset Strip. Cue German property tycoon Hertz (Jack Lord) and his hapless son Franz (Cameron Sharp). Dupree is convinced if he can get ageing rocker Stacee Jaxx (Ben Richards) and his band Arsenal to perform their last concert there all will be ok.
The whole cast is first class and kept me and everybody else entertained throughout. It shines through that they are having the time of their lives up there. The brilliant band are placed on stage and are very tight. I cannot fault any part of this production from the superb soundtrack, raunchy rock chicks bright true to era costumes to the lighting, special effects and sets.
I especially enjoyed Lonny’s character who narrated throughout and gave us some of the biggest laughs, great comic timing He can also sing magnificently as can all the ensemble – who would have known Ben Richards could sing? But boy can he! All songs and spoken parts were as clear as a bell throughout and Kelly Devine’s choreography gives the high energy performers a chance to show off just how talented they are. Rachel McFarlane’s (as Justice) powerful voice in my opinion, just isn’t heard enough of she could be involved in so many more of the musical numbers.
The Rock of Ages gang give it their all. The soundtrack is spot on and the laughs come thick and fast. I loved it.
The show finished with Journeys 1981 hit Don’t Stop Believin’ and all the audience up on their feet singing and dancing along. Myself and my friend didn’t want it to end it was so good!
Touring until November book those tickets and look forward to a fantastic night!
The Regent Theatre is easy to find with plenty of parking around the venue. Situated within a pedestrian area and surrounded by cafes and bars it is an ideal place to see a show. Staff were helpful and friendly – last night they were sporting 80s wigs a good touch. Everywhere is clean and tidy with lots of seating areas. Prices are what you would expect.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £12.90 to £33.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Rock of Ages is at the Regent Theatre until 19 July 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7649.
Regent Theatre, Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 1AP | 0844 871 7649
