Rock of Ages UK Tour

Rock of Ages

Manchester Opera House

27/09/18

Set in the 1980s, Rock of Ages tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. But when German developers sweep into town with plans to turn legendary rock venue The Bourbon Room into a capitalist strip mall, the rock ‘n’ roll fairy-tale looks like it’s about to end. Can Drew, Sherrie and the gang save the strip – and themselves – before it’s too late?

Those who have seen Rock of Ages before will know that this is a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Revelling in the era of big hair, shoulder pads, power ballads and rock gods, Rock of Ages provides a comedy packed night filled with classic tunes of the 80s.

Much of the show’s success lies in its talented cast who delight in squeezing every last bit of the otherwise thin script. Luke Walsh is professionally solid as wannabe rock star Drew while Danielle Hope belts out power ballads with ease as ‘small town girl’ Sherrie. Kevin Kennedy makes the most of a fairly thin part as nightclub owner Dennis Dupree while Zoe Birkett delivers a stunning vocal performance as Justice. Lucas Rush as Lonny provides great banter with the audience making him extremely charismatic and watchable.

The 2nd act consists of some classic soft rock songs, “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”, “Every Rose Has Its Thorn”, “Keep On Loving You” and arrives at the crescendo performance of “Don’t Stop Believing”.

I hardly knew anything about this show beforehand but I came out wanting to see it again after a thoroughly enjoyed night signing along to some classic 80s songs.