Review: Rock Of Ages - The Best Rock Musical In Town?

Rock Of Ages
Shaftesbury Theatre
Performance: 10th March 2012

Rock Of Ages is a good fun show and is perfect for a night out with friends who maybe aren't massive musical theatre fans.

First of all when you walk into the auditorium you can't help but go 'wow' with all the signs and decorations that surround you. As you are waiting for the show to begin this really helps to get you in the mood, a long with the background music, which surprisingly consists of classic rock songs such as Van Halen's Jump.

The only thing that I was not very impressed with was the 'at this performance' sheet which you get in the programme and lists the understudies for the performance. It said there would be understudies on for Drew, Lonny, Constance, Mayer & Waitress when in fact there were only understudies for Drew, Stacee Jaxx, Mayer & Waitress. Also nowhere did it say Natalie Andreou had taken over as Sherrie. I have to say I was disappointed not to see Shayne Ward and I didn't particularly like his understudy, Dylan Turner, who made no connection with the audience what so ever and just didn't convince me to be this massive big rock star.

I loved the way the band are on the stage throughout the show. It doesn't seem weird or distract you from the world created, and I like being able to see the musicians.  Justin Lee Collins was fantastic, I love the way he can't dance and doesn't have a clue what is going on half the time. He made it fresh and made me believe he was doing it for the first time. Also his chemistry with Simon Lipkin who plays Lonny was amazing. There duet was simply hilarious and one of the highlights of the show.

To me Simon Lipkin was simply the star of the show. His relationship with the audience was so so so strong and I left feeling like I actually knew him. I love the way the character pops up dancing with the ensemble on many occasions and I loved the little ab-libs such as shaking the child's hand in the front row, making the rest of the cast shake their heads and laugh.

I was disappointed not to see Oliver Tompsett however Jamie Muscato has such an amazing voice! I imagine he played the role a little more timid that Oliver which I liked and found quite endearing. I enjoyed Natalie Andreou's Sherrie and liked how her more classical, musical theatre voice contrasted with everyone else's rock voice.

Sandy Moffat, Rohan Tickell &
Jodie Jacobs

Sandy Moffat was very over the top and funny as Faanz and Jodie Jacobs  is well cast as Regina, however I wish she had more singing! Rachel McFaalane also had an excellent, underused voice! I was sitting there thinking how great she would be as Oda Mae Brown in Ghost! The over the top rift she sung in her entrance was one of the funniest bits in the show for me. However I wasn't so keen on Justice's story in the show, was quite weak. 

Stand outs from the ensemble included Carly Mercedes Dyer. She was amazing and seemed to be a different character in every single scene. She always stood out when she was on stage and was an amazing dancer. Also Cordelia Faanworth was great, she was on as the Waitress and even though she sung a tiny section we were all talking about her in the interval about how incredible her voice was and what a shame it was that we couldn't get to hear any more of it!

Rock Of Ages is also popular with fans, recently beating musical We Will Rock You to claim to the title of 'Best Rock Musical In Town' with 64% of the vote in our poll. I think both musicals bring something different. Rock Of Ages is more intimate and funnier however We Will Rock You has this amazing energy with its massive set and massive cast.

The music in Rock Of Ages is great, I loved the theatre staff standing in the isles guiding us with the fake lighter things, it was very amusing to watch one guy who clearly was hating every second of his job. With 31 songs in the show it was almost a little overwhelming and too much to take in, in just 1 visit, so I might just have to go again....
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Here is what some of West End Frame's readers have had to say so far on the blog (I think they like it...)

"Rock Of Ages is  a great night out, must see!!"

"I have been to see ROA twice and really loved it. Simon Lipkin is amazing - really steals the show! I am dissapointed to have not seen Shayne Ward yet but his understudy does a marvellous job as Staccee Jaxx. Will certainly be going again and again!"

"Rock of Ages, is hilarious. The timing of the plot's weird, it's true, but it is absolutely wonderful at not taking itself seriously and having great music."

"Rock of Ages by far the best. The brilliant cast really make the show & all the understudies are so good too. Jamie Muscato as Drew is sensational. I would vote for ROA just for the quality of cast/understudies alone but the show is amazing too - brilliant!"

"Have been to see ROA twice recently. Oliver Tompsett has an amazing voice, Simon Lipkin is hilarious and if you want to guarantee a fun evening out I would recommend you go see this now-I intend to go again! Still havent seen Shayne Ward perform, which is a shame but his understudy is brill!"

"If I had to choose which Rock Musical I enjoy WATCHING the most i'd say Rock of Ages. It's genuinely laugh out loud funny - Simon Lipkin, Sandy Moffat etc etc make the show for me. I do like We Will Rock You but if i had a choice i'd choose Rock of Ages each time."

"Rock Of Ages illustrates a new trend in alternative musical theatre attracting a new type of audience, Never-the-less the quality of the performances is awesome. Simon Lipkin shines as Lonnie, the narrator, with a huge comedic talent, unmatched anywhere in the West End. Oliver Tompsett's jaw-dropping vocals and uber charm sets a high standard which is complemented by an excellent ensemble. This is a show not to be missed!!!!"

"Simon is hilarious. In my opinion he should have got a What's On Stage Award - even if it was only for running across the stage in his underpants"

"Rock of ages is my all time favourite musical - such a wonderfully talented all-round cast, and Simon Lipkin always steals the show! Never fails to give me a great night :) if you haven't already seen it, I highly recommend a visit... or 10.. plus.."

POLL RESULT: Click here to find out more about Rock Of Ages star Oliver Tompsett coming 3rd in our 'Best Performance Of A Song' Poll for his performance of 'I Wanna Rock'
POLL RESULT: Click here to find out more about Rock Of Ages winning our 'Best Rock Musical In Town' poll