★★★★★ Rock of Ages
Kevin Clifton gave an
impassioned closing speech at the opening night of Rock of Ages where his
message was simple – don’t stop believing, theatre is back with a bang after a
tawdry eighteen months, and safe in the hands of this decidedly boisterous, upfront
and joyous production!
Directed and
choreographed by the always-superb Nick Winston, Rock of Ages is loud, camp,
outrageous, fun and a lot more beside. It features knockout performances from a
truly superlative ensemble and, if last night was anything to go by, on top
form!
Featuring a songbook of
over twenty rock classics/bangers, the heart and soul of this show is pulsating
even as you take your seats. There is a pent up anticipation in the audience
palpably fit to bust! The fourth wall is quickly smashed as Joe Gash (Lonny)
plays a rock emcee with vivacity, cheeky charm, jazz hands and underlying
danger as he encourage the audience to say hello to the person next to them –
panto comes early to Wimbledon. To my surprise it was friend and theatre
director Racky Plews – masks do have a use!
But back to the plot, for
what it’s worth, as we discover a group of show-biz aspirants trying to make it
in that business known as show - whether as a singer/songwriter or taciturn stripper.
Over laced in this nefarious mix are the wicked property developers who are
trying to grapple people’s questionable careers, livings and ultimately
property from them. Simply add the multifarious relationship confusion to the jumble
and the stage is set!
Kevin Clifton as rock god
Stacee Jaxx demonstrates that there’s plenty more than a few Strictly dance
moves to this man’s repertoire – boy, can he sing too! Luke Walsh as Drew, a
barman with ambitions to be a rock singer is stunning with a phenomenal range,
amply demonstrated with the wealth of material in this endlessly-challenging repertoire.
He is also joined by Rhiannon Chesterman as Sherrie in some breathtaking,
knockout duets!
Comedy is cleverly
brought by Andrew Carthy as Franz and Vas Constani as Hetz, our European
property developers, ostentatiously camp and with some decidedly scene-stealing
moments.
Ultimately, it’s the
songbook and the undoubted quality of the vocals that drives this production.
Songs like Don’t Stop Believin’, The Final Countdown, Waiting For A Girl Like You,
I Want To Know What Love and many more don’t come easy but are in the safest of
hands. This is without a doubt an ensemble on top form.
Glad to have theatre back!
New
Wimbledon Theatre
Tue 21 Sep -
Sat 25 Sep 2021
93 The
Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1QG, UK
2 hours 35
minutes incl. interval
Tue - Sat
at 19:30
Thu and Sat
at 14:30 and 19:30
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