Rock Of Ages

                               

I was warmly welcomed at Front of House by Chairman Julia Clarke and met with Director Steve Salmon after the performance.

This was a stunning performance from a very talented cast and crew. The set, resembling a venue on the Sunset Strip, was simple and effective consisting mainly of scaffolding which had been lent to the society. This allowed a flexible use of the stage area with a bar area included at the side and the top deck of the scaffolding used from time to time to feature some soloists to good effect.  There were some excellent props wheeled on seamlessly by crew and cast often whilst the audience was distracted by action on another part of the stage. eg I never spotted the bathroom until it was in situ ! There was a magnificent prop featuring Drew’s car which was totally believable! Clever use of lighting and spots aided the scene changes and good and creative use of the white board and interactive video screen also helped. The sound was well balanced and all the cast projected their voices well. There were  some stunning costumes with many changes and all were relevant to the 1980s/90s. Plenty of  belts and ripped jeans!

The band under the very capable direction of Musical Director Francis Garland was positioned on centre stage and was versatile and a joy to listen to. They coped well with pure rock numbers and softer routines and provided good support to the cast.

The choreography throughout was sparkling and very varied with complicated, and fast, routines for the talented group of dancers and some easier routines for the rockers. All performed expertly and with huge enthusiasm and sometimes at a cracking pace. Gabrielle Tyler, as Choreographer ably demonstrated her creativity and ability to work with all talents. I understand that Gabrielle took over from Ashleigh Curtis who had to stand down but did in fact choreograph some numbers earlier. Many congratulations to both of you for some scintillating routines.

The vocals throughout were exceedingly good with catchy, fast and familiar rock numbers belted out enthusiastically and passionately. Ben Worrallo, as Lonny, was a kind of narrator and the audience loved his comedy. He was a magnificent performer whilst Chris Bailey as Dennis, the bar owner demonstrated real talent. Mark Littlewood, as Drew, an aspiring rock star from the ‘big city’ was smitten with newly arrived and demure waitress, Sherrie well played by Lauren Nolan. They were well paired and showed real ability and range when singing High Enough.

Simon Hipkin played Stacee Jaxx, the rock star and what a performance! Charismatic and energetic he had huge stage presence and, with strong and apparently effortless singing he rocked his way through many numbers with great movement. Cassie Weston was Justice the owner of the strip club and had really powerful vocals. Daniel Serheunik played a great role as the unpleasant German estate developer Hertz, planning to buy up Sunset Strip. His side kick, Franz was ably played by Paul Robinson who was very comical with great facial contortions. He ultimately fell for the unlikely Regina, a protester well played by Shannon Hannah.

There were a number of smaller roles all important to the plot and ably played by the ensemble of dancers and rockers.

This was an impressive and powerful production drawing on the undoubted creative talent and vision of Director Steve Salmon, aided by Assistant Keith Peck. Many congratulations on bringing this fabulous musical to the stage and well done to the cast, technical and backstage teams. The audience certainly enjoyed it.

 

 

 

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