It’s been a while since I was last at the Grand Opera House in Belfast, but with the stage incarnation of one of my favourite films – Rock Of Ages – coming to town, it was time to head back. Having last seen the stage show a little under a decade ago on Broadway in New York, I was very keen to see what this British touring incarnation was like.
Rock of Ages is an LA love story lavished with over 25 Classic Rock Anthems. Lose yourself in a city and a time where the dreams are as BIG as the hair, and yes, they can come true!
Strictly Come Dancing Champion Kevin Clifton will play the lead role of Stacee Jaxx. The internationally renowned dancer will swap the Ballroom for the Bourbon Club when he plays alongside Kevin Kennedy, Zoe Birkett, Jodie Steele, Luke Walsh, Lucas Rush, Andrew Carthy, Vas Constanti, and Rhiannon Chesterman in the ultimate 80’s rock n’ roll musical.
The show is an absolute triumph as the stage comes alive in spectacular fashion from the first notes from the live band. It’s obvious to see that the cast is having a whole lot of fun, but also putting in a whole lot of work whilst living out their rock and roll dreams. Sitting in the Gods I was able to get a better look at how the stage changes etc are done and can say that I’m in awe of how seamless and expertly the crew work to make the whole flow so well. The big names touted with this show – Zoe Birkett, Kevin Clifton, Kevin Kennedy etc all deserve their billing and the 2 leads are more than capable of taking us through their twisted love story. A special Mention to the narrator Lonny (played by Lucas Rush) who had the audience in stitches and was playing the role he was born to play.
The music, the dancing, and the stage show and production make this a show that’s being toured as expertly as it was when I first saw it in New Year, and it differs enough from the film to make it seem fresh and different. No wonder this is a show that’s still rocking after all these years!
