Rock of Ages At Liverpool Empire Review

Reviewed by Kim Bickerdike

As a theatre lover, it feels so good to have a varied array of shows coming back to the Liverpool Empire, Rock of Ages isn’t something I would normally go to see but after 18 months away and in need of my theatre fix, I was keen to try something new and I was so glad I did because this show was brilliant!

When we arrived at the Liverpool Empire, we were greeted by theatre staff who checked our Covid vaccination status but don’t worry if you haven’t been vaccinated, you can present a negative Lateral Flow Test and the staff will take your temperature. It only takes a couple of minutes and offers those who are nervous about Covid plenty of reassurance, so I think it is worthwhile doing. Anything to support the theatres and boost ticket sales gets my support.

We took to our seats and was pleased to feel the buzz and anticipation of a live performance, its only a feeling you can really get from being part of an in-person audience and the atmosphere at the Liverpool Empire is always electric. The show started and we were transported to the 1980’s where we were introduced to a small-town girl Sherrie (played by Rhiannon Chesterman) who wants to make it big as an actress so leaves home and heads to the big city. She arrives on the Sunset Strip and meets Drew (played by Luke Walsh) who is an aspiring rock star.

The plot is quite a simple one focussed around a love story, two people trying to make it big and a property developer who wants to knock down their local bar where they meet to play music. We also meet an aging rocker called Stacee Jaxx (played by Kevin Clifton who is best known for being one of the professional dancers from Strictly) who has an eye for the ladies and tries to get in between Sherrie and Drew’s budding relationship. All of this is supported by bright, colourful lights which made us feel like we were at a rock concert, plenty of seamless set changes and of course the music which is the highlight of the show and knits together the storyline perfectly.

From the opening scene we are treated to hit after hit including, We Built This City, I Want To Know What Love Is, and The Final Countdown. All these songs are performed fantastically, the vocals are great, the energy is infectious, and the ensemble dancers are a feast for the eyes.

The show is narrated by Lonny (played by Joe Gash) who flirts and engages with the audience throughout. He doesn’t take himself too seriously and has the audience spontaneously applauding and laughing throughout his performance. In fact, throughout the whole show there are plenty of laugh out loud moments from the whole cast who look like they are all having the best time on stage.

The second act was brilliant and before we knew it, it was time for the finale. this had us all up on our feet dancing and clapping along to the classic 80s hit Don’t stop Believin’. Overall, this is a great show with a great cast and great songs which will leave you wanting more. At the end of the show the microphone was handed to Kevin Clifton who wanted to thank the audience for their support and to ask them to spread the word that ‘Theatre is back!’ I would like to thank the cast of Rock of Ages and the staff of Liverpool Empire for such a brilliant night. We can’t wait to head back for our next show and would encourage anyone who is ready for a fun and feel good show to book tickets before it’s too late.

Rating: 4.5/5

Rock of Ages runs until the 18th September so head to https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/rock-of-ages/liverpool-empire/ to book your tickets which start at £13.00 plus transaction fee.