By TheatreVillage 
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I was fortunate to go and see Rock of Ages, the musical in Cheltenham recently. I had wanted to see it in Birmingham as that’s where I live but unfortunately I was away at the time.
I have personally seen this show in double digits since its initial run years ago in the West End. I have seen different cast changes over this time, which always add a different order of things. Therefore I know the songs and story line inside out.
Rhiannon Chesterman is playing the role of Sherrie in this run with Luke Walsh playing the part of Drew. I was aware that for my performance there was a chance Rhiannon wouldn’t be performing due to herself feeling ill prior to the show.
In terms of the show and its production, the lighting and set design was very good. The set format has not changed I don’t think since its previous tour, so it’s nice to have some familiarity with the Bourbon Room, it’s like an old friend.
There were some stellar cast performances which I’ll come onto in a bit. One part of the show that didn’t work for me was Sherrie’s parents- whilst only a short time in the show, the voice of the father in an american accent didn’t work and I’d personally just change get rid of that scene or a simple wave at the train station might be enough to provide context.
Initially the audience in the first 15 minutes did not react to the gags in the show much and one part which I thought should have gotten applause didn’t. The person sitting next to me was stone-cold faced whereas the people next to me were toe tapping and laughing. I knew which camp I preferred to be in!
The show’s jokes and performances livened the audience up and by 2nd act they were lapping up the jokes by Lonny played by Joe Gash.
Cast Performances
Moving onto the cast performances, I am aware Rhiannon wouldn’t be 100% on form due to her previous illness but when she delivered her duet with Luke Walsh, you couldn’t tell, it was a magical duet moment. Rhiannon is very good at what she does and Luke also delivered a convincing performance of Drew.
The hilarious Joe Gash gave a stellar performance as Lonny and was quick off the mark with jokes.
The show itself was definitely saucier than last time, with much more crude jokes contained. I did look at the person sitting next to me but still stone-cold.
Stacee Jaxx played by Kevin Clifton didn’t seem to have so much a bigger role this time around or maybe my memory is playing tricks on me, though still delivered very well.
Gabriella Williams played the part of Regina and she delivered a fantastic performance as the protestor. This is a part Rhiannon previously played and now she is playing the part of Sherrie, so watch this space.
Erin Bell’s performance was both bold, energetic and sassy and she had so much energy on the stage. Erin is also a veteran of Rock of Ages having previously also been in its last production. I’d personally give a song number to Erin as she has the talent.
The ensemble was also great and delivered a superb performance, Phoebe Samuel-Gray playing waitress no 1 was a stand out though and it was good to see she had various lines to deliver.
At its West End Production it previously used the balconies for some of the scenes but not this time, this may have been due to the theatre’s own abilities.
Summary
This show is definitely, a feel good- let your hair down, come as you are production. You have superb actors in this production
The musical numbers are good, the hilarity of jokes is good and the production comes alive very much at certain key points. The scenery and lighting make this show an all around success. The show won’t please everyone who comes to see it, but the cold faced person did laugh/smile in the 2nd half and joined in the standing ovation at the end, As Lonny said, The Theatre Is Back and Open, so go see it.
