ROCK Of AGES

This was my first experience of this rock opera and I found the experience almost overwhelming, in the best possible way.  The music, the singing  and the energy poured from the stage.  The band was situated stage centre and very cleverly lit so as to give a cave like effect.  In the Bourbon Room the lighting was so evocative of a night club that you could almost smell the beer !  There was scaffolding to give different levels and the space taken by this and the band caused the action to be moved forward. This enabled the actors to use  the front of the stage and the steps, which they did  to good effect,  bringing the action into the audience.  The singing had been well taught and was superb, with some lovely harmonies.  American accents were maintained well adding to the atmosphere, but at times diction wasn't sufficiently clear and words were lost.   There was some excellent  characterisation allowing us to believe in the story that was unfolding.  Scene changes were handled well allowing the action to flow.  Costumes and make up were right for the era, the 1980's.  Lighting was stunning, it had the Wow factor.  On this,  the first night, the sound did not allow the fabulous playing of the band to be fully appreciated.  It would probably have been a different story later in the week.

This was a wonderful evening's entertainment.  The energy and commitment that every member of the cast and the production team brought to this rock opera resulted in a memorable experience that left the audience slightly deafened but so elated.  Thank you.

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