Rock of Ages at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton Review
Rock of Ages
Mayflower Theatre
Southampton
9-13 September 2014
Reviewed by Nicola McCallum
Over the years I have heard of the movie and the West End show ‘Rock of Ages’ and for one reason or another I have not seen either. When the opportunity arose to see this at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton I jumped at the chance of seeing something a bit different to what I would normally go and see at the theatre.
As a frequent visitor to the theatre I am never disappointed with the Mayflower Theatre. For every visit, whether it is for classical ballet, musical or children’s show the theatre manages to create the perfect atmosphere which seems to draw you in to the show you are about to watch. The facilities are modern and clean but the best feature is most certainly the staff. Every member of staff is exceptionally well presented, friendly and more than happy to assist the public with their needs.
For those unfamiliar of the story it is one we can all understand. Our two main characters, Drew and Sherrie, find themselves on Sunset Boulevard in order to follow their dreams to become a rock star and actress. The pair fall in love but their path becomes slightly tangled due to a few wrong decisions. This is all set in the late 80s within the rock scene and littered throughout are some classic rock songs. Despite not being a follower of the rock scene there were many a song which I recognised such as ‘We Built This City’ and the ‘The Final Countdown’. A special mention goes to the band who were amazing through each track.
As the show began we saw a glimpse of what was to come throughout by meeting the narrator of the evening, Lonny, played by Stephen Rahman-Hughes. Engaging with the audience he held our attention and gave us plenty of belly laughs. His comic timing throughout was spot on and he is also an excellent vocalist and dancer. His most memorable scenes came in the second half especially when he became part of a double act with the owner of club Dennis Dupree (Daniel Fletcher) and a scene where his heart to heart with Drew turned into pure comic genius (especially with the adlibbing) he had the audience captivated from the minute he stepped on stage and eating out of his hand.
Our main characters Drew and Sherrie (Noel Sullivan and Cordelia Farnworth) are amazing vocalists as it is clear why they have been cast in the lead roles. Every vocal was amazing and each gave their characters depth with their vulnerability. The shock of the evening came in the form of the rock star Stacee Jaxx played by Ben Richards. Whilst Ben is a familiar face on the small screen his vocals rivalled that of the lead characters with the only complaint being he simply was not on stage enough.
Each member of the cast was superb in their own individual roles making each character come to life and adding the story. The small camp mannerisms of Franz, the German architect and the passion behind Regina for her cause to keep the strip form changing captured the audience throughout.
Rock of Ages has surprised me so much as I have never laughed so much throughout a performance. The enthusiasm of the cast was simply infectious and by the final number everyone was one their feet clapping, singing cheering and of course laughing. The substance behind rock is captured through the comedy and the setting. The jokes are a little naughty, the costumes a little risqué all without being offensive. This is not only down to a brilliant script as it is the characters who have worked hard concentrating on the detail of their own characters in order for the audience to fall in love with them all. This show has given me such a memorable night out that I would happily go and see this show again. With tickets priced from £17 – £34 this is great value for money especially with such a high quality cast and production team. I would give this show an easy 5 out 5.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £17 to £24.
Rock of Ages is at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton until Saturday 13 September 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 02380 711811.
Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE | 02380 711811
