Rock of Ages rocks The Talisman

5 hours ago
3 min read

Phoebe Dann (Sherrie), Ben Ionoff (Stacie Jaxx) and Harry Bowser (Drew Boley). Photo by Robert Warner.

Rock of Ages at The Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth from Monday 22 June to Saturday 27 June. Book by Chris D’Arienzo and arrangements and orchestrations by Ethan Popp.

Review by Ashley Hayward.

This highly enjoyable show transports us back in time to the 1980’s world of sex, drugs and rock and roll and it superbly captures the optimism, excesses and culture of that era.

The action takes place mainly in the Bourbon Room, a legendary nightclub on LA’s famous Sunset Strip. Sadly, the venue has fallen on hard times and faces an uncertain future due to changing musical tastes and is now needed for development and faces demolition.

Daniel Gough (Lonny). Photo by Robert Warner.

However, the Room’s owner, Dennis Dupree and the Manager, Lonny are aware that the Room has helped launch the career of many a rock star including Stacie Jaxx who they call in to provide a farewell concert to bring in some much-needed revenue. They are supported by Drew, the barman/toilet cleaner, an aspiring rocker who falls for Sherrie, a small-town girl who also dreams of being a star.

The storyline may be rather clichéd but many of the hits of the period are cleverly interwoven, and they are powerfully performed by the cast with the assistance of an impressive band of talented musicians comprising three guitarists, a drummer and keyboard player.

All the main characters and the whole company show immense energy and team spirit as they throw themselves enthusiastically into the production and provide an evening full of humour and unforgettable music which is guaranteed to get your foot tapping. Just a few of songs we were treated to include We Built this City, The Final Countdown, Wanted Dead or Alive, Don’t Stop Believing and Here I go again.

Harry Bowser as Drew Boley. Photo by Robert Warner.

One of the features of this show is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously and it is full of tongue in cheek saucy humour and innuendos as well as effectively breaking the ‘fourth wall’. There were occasional sound issues which made it difficult to hear some of the dialogue when there was music in the background, but this didn’t appear to diminish the audience’s enjoyment.

This was an evening of pure entertainment and escapism which was enhanced by a highly authentic set, colourful costumes and dynamic choreography. It will definitely be enjoyed by rock and roll fans but also anyone who just likes a fun night at the theatre.

Phoebe Dann as Sherrie. Photo by Robert Warner.

The evening was rounded off brilliantly when the entire cast and company performed the final songs and Lonny introduced us to the five incredible musicians.

The first night audience certainly appreciated the performers as they frequently clapped along to the music, and many were probably still singing on their way home. I must admit that I found it difficult to resist doing a bit of Dad Dancing and showing my considerable ability in playing the air guitar. I probably wasn’t the only one!