Review | ROCK OF AGES (UK Tour) May 2014

The 80's... the decade of power ballads and rock Gods … there was bound to be a musical about it and what is currently the 30th longest-running show on Broadway started life in Los Angeles 2006, transferred to Broadway in 2009 and West End in 2011 - Rock Of Ages is now playing cities all over the UK as part of a major tour.

The musical follows Drew (Noel Sullivan) who we meet in The Bourbon Room club, dreaming of being a rock star. He immediately falls for Sherrie (Cordelia Farnworth) who confuses his shyness as disinterest and has a fling with the vainglorious lead singer of rock band Arsenal, Stacee Jaxx (Ben Richards), it all goes wrong, it all rights itself... it's sex, drugs and rock and roll. 

The plot falls, overpowered by the string of hits - it's probably for the best as it doesn't allow for too much investment in the characters, there's nothing too deep as to discover more about them or time to see them do little more than sing, but they own up to that. This isn't a musical to lose yourself in, it's two and half hours of rollocking rock! 

Noel Sullivan impresses as Drew, he returns to his We Will Rock You roots here and is just as comfortable strutting, head-banging and belting out rock ballads than he was in a recent role, skipping around in showgirl tits and feathers in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. He proves to be an accomplished, versatile performer. Ben Richards is suitably sexy, seductive and everything you'd expect of a lead singer in the role of Stacee Jaxx. Rachel McFarlane as Justice Charlier is a great addition, she's like the Killer Queen of rival rock musical, strutting around in a long coat and sparkly corset - she can belt, yet perhaps the more tender Every Rose Has It's Thorn is one of the show's highlights. 

Jessie May makes a great Regina, coupled with the comedic Cameron Sharp who relishes the role of camp German, Franz. They receive the best reaction with Hit Me With Your Best Shot - a surprise reveal and a long overdue rousing of the audience to whom Stephen Rahman-Hughes' emcee Lonny is a firm favourite. There's an energetic ensemble lead by dance captain Russell Smith and a whole-cast finale of Don't Stop Believin' brings the house down, the band are excellent.

It's all tongue-in-cheek, it's all cheesy but ultimately it's fun. If nothing more, Rock Of Ages is a great opportunity to just let go and rock out with an incredibly impressive West End cast. Get your air guitar, and head for New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham to rock until Saturday 17 May - book tickets here. 

Cast List: Ben Richards, Noel Sullivan, Cordelia Farnworth, Daniel Fletcher, Stephen Rahman-Hughes, Rachel McFarlane, Jack Lord, Cameron Sharp, Rakesh Boury, Imogen Brooke, Abigail Climer, Tom Andrew Hargreaves, Jessie May, Stephen Rolley, Kylie Michelle Smith, Russell Smith, Chris Southgate, Charlotte Anne Steen, Tara Verloop.

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9 TO 5 (UK Tour) Review May 2013

Based on the movie of the same name, 9 To 5 is the stage musical creation of Dolly Parton. The show opened on Broadway in April 2009 and sadly closed 5 months later. It has since toured the US and a new production premiered at the Manchester Opera House in October 2012. The revised production is now touring to theatres across the UK and is bigger and better than ever. 

Girl power is most definitely back in this fantastically fun adventure of three female office workers who show their sexist, egotistical, bigoted, chauvinist male boss that they are not to be messed around - turning the office from bland and characterless to the most dynamic Dollywood palace with high energy dance numbers and plenty of pink glitter. 

We're greeted by Dolly herself as the large clock suddenly becomes a portal into Dolly's Hollywood office. She acts as a narrator to the story, similarly to Blood Brothers but without the creepiness. Jackie Clune stars as widow Violet and shines in 'One Of The Boys'. Amy Lennox is the Parton of the show - the busty and blonde Doralee Rhodes. In the role originated by Miss Dolly herself, Lennox is a perfect tribute yet sustains a strong and individual character. Her 'Backwoods Barbie' is one of the more beautiful and serene moments. Perhaps the shiniest gem is Natalie Casey as Judy Bernley. The comical yet vulnerable character has the audience at many times in hysterics and as with any good story of empowerment and overcoming, 'Get Out And Stay Out' is definitely one of the show's highlights. 

The Bill's Ben Richards couldn't be further from his recent stage appearance as Tick in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. Here he is the big bad boss, Mr Hart and is commanding of the stage - until that is the girls tie him up and dangle him above the bed with a garage door mechanism. Unfortunately the climax of act 1 where he is launched into the air failed to happen as he wasn't clipped in properly and had to finish the number on the bed with the ropes swinging around him. It's a very technical show but ran smoothly besides. Returning to the show this week after time off for filming, Richards rejoins the show effortlessly. One of the most hilarious moments 'Heart to Hart' involves a passionate dance between Mr Hart and his assistant Roz Keith played hilariously by Anita Louise Combe who recently replaced Bonnie Langford. 

Whilst 9 To 5 might not be the most original or groundbreaking musical out there, what it is, is a fun and feel-good night out with tonnes of talent and a high production value. Thoroughly entertaining and listening to Dolly Parton say "Thank-you Wolverhampton!" was something I never thought I'd hear. There is still some good availability  for tickets at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre where the show plays until Saturday 18th May! Book here. 

View the shows trailer below!

Cast List: Jackie Clune, Amy Lennox, Natalie Casey, Ben Richards, Anita Louise Combe, Mark Willshire, Marlon Moore, Tom Andrew Hargreaves, Philip Bertioli, Lori Haley Fox, Gemma Maclean, Lisa Bridge, Peter McPherson, Andrew Waldron, Lauren Stroud, Nyroy Dixon, Sasi Strallen, Ashley Andrews, Sinead Kenny, Persephone Fitzpatrick and James Lacey.