Rock Of Ages At The Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury Review

Reviewed by I.Addison

As a big Tom Cruise fan I had already seen the movie Rock of Ages so……. was looking forward to seeing the stage version production of the film. The original film stars Tom Cruise, Russell Brand and Alec Baldwin to name a few. I remember the film being truly hysterical combined with a great 1980s nostalgia rock soundtrack.

The location for Rock of Ages this week is at – The Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury – it is running there until Saturday 28th May. Saturday has two showtimes: a matinee and an evening. The tour then continues in other areas of the UK
Aylesbury mainline station served by Chiltern trains.

There is a central bus station only a short walk away and, for drivers ample parking in three different car parks around Waterside, Travelodge /Waitrose car park just to its side.

Waterside, Aylesbury is actually an easy theatre to get to and it’s one of the most comfortable theatres I’ve been to and I have been to a lot of venues over the years with my theatre group. I can’t state enough how everybody that can, should take in a show here!

There are plenty of toilets, the seats have plenty of legroom and the decor is new, bright and extremely comfortable. The design of the building is unusual and its inside is spectacular, it really is a lovely theatre to attend if you have never seen a show there.

I arrived at 630pm and showed the tickets on my phone to the staff at the door. The tickets had already been sent to me by e-ticket the day before the show. The seats I was given were Stalls Row K. Fantastic view of the stage and I had no cramped leg issues. I could stretch both legs out fully.

I met the Waterside press staff member at the top of the stairs and collected a programme. (editor’s note – whatsgoodtodo.com were reviewing the show) Via the programme I was pleased to see somebody in the cast that I knew of, Kevin Kennedy, who played ‘Curly Watts’ from Coronation street in the eighties. Kevin was playing the role of Dennis Dupree ( Alec Baldwin had played him in the film)

Dennis is an old rocker that owns the club The Bourban Room on sunset strip Hollywood, where the story is set.
The story is narrated throughout by a character called ‘Lonny’ played by the wonderful Joe Gash. Joe Gash for me, was one of the strongest performers in this show and what kept it all going. Loud, outrageous and very naturally funny but if you are easily offended, you may want to swerve this as there are lots of sexual jokes and innuendos in this play.

The two ‘main’ characters are Drew and Sherrie. Drew played by Sam Turrell and Sherrie by Gabriella Williams. Both had wonderful voices and great chemistry.

To cut a long story short and not to ruin the plot, the two main leads are following their dreams to make it big in Hollywood. Sherrie in acting and Drew as a rock star. The story is around their journey to their dreams with some odd German property developers along the way and a hippy Regina played by Vicky Manser, she deserves a mention for the leotard costume alone she wears during the play. Hysterical!

Matt Terry, a winner from X-Factor plays Stacee Jaxx ( role played by Tom Cruise in the film) To be honest, I had no idea who this was! I would not say he was the strongest act in the play considering his name was in the first line of merchandising but he sung well. A bit unfortunate he has a scene in the toilets with Sherrie . You will get what I mean when you see it.

If you like musicals, corny humour and pretty much non stop silly giggles you are guaranteed a fun night out. I loved the music, lighting, costumes. Rock of Ages is fun and uplifting. Don’t stop believing!

Rating: 4/5

Running time: 2 hours 35 minutes – including 20 minutes interval
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street. Aylesbury HP20 1UG

Ticket prices: from £13 plus £3.65 booking fee . Age guidance 14 years PLUS

Tickets can be booked by visiting:
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/rock-of-ages/aylesbury-waterside-theatre/calendar/2022-05-26