Review: Rock Of Ages (UK Tour) at the New Wimbledon Theatre

Rock Of Ages (UK Tour)

New Wimbledon Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 18th November 2014

★★★★

Ok I'll admit it... Rock Of Ages is one of my biggest theatrical guilty pleasures! It is quite possibly the loudest, sexiest and wildest musical of all time and audiences cannot get enough of it! 

Set in 1987(ish), Rock Of Ages follows Sherrie who moves to Los Angeles with big dreams. She ends up meeting an aspiring rock star Drew and the pair fall in love before their careers begin to head in very different directions. However, you don't need to know too much about the story as the show makes no apologies for being the best excuse ever to put some of the greatest songs of all time into one show.

Rock of Ages to close on Broadway

It has been announced that the Broadway production of Rock of Ages will close next year. The show will play its final performance at the Helen Hayes Theatre on 18th January 2015.

The show, which closed in the West End last year and is currently touring the UK, featuring a score of classic rock hits including "Here I Go Again," “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” and “Don’t Stop Believin".

Review: Rock Of Ages (UK Tour) at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Rock Of Ages (UK Tour)

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 1st July 2014

Last year I described Rock Of Ages the "loudest, sexiest and hottest musical in London". Twelve months later, Rock Of Ages is the loudest, sexiest and hottest musical currently touring the UK!

Simon Lipkin returns to Rock Of Ages

Simon Lipkin (pictured right) is returning to Rock Of Ages for two nights only.

Due to the indisposition of Stephen Rahman-Hughes, Nathan Amzi played Lonny last night and will play the role again tonight. Lipkin, who played the role throughout the show's two year West End run, will play Lonny on Wednesday and Thursday.

Writing on Twitter, Lipkin said: "On as Lonny in @rockofagesuk Wednesday and Thursday in Manchester...better stretch out my lunging legs!" 

The performer is currently starring in I Can't Sing at the London Palladium which closes on Saturday (10th May 2014). His theatre credits also include: Galahad in Spamalot (original UK and International Tour), Nicky and Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q (original West End cast), The Wedding Singer (original UK cast), Willard in Footloose (UK Tour), A Christmas Carol (West End) and Pharaoh in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (West End).

Rock Of Ages UK Tour announces full casting

Full casting has been announced for the upcoming UK Tour of Rock Of Ages. 

Daniel Fletcher (Dennis) and Rachel McFarlane (Justice) are reprising the roles they played in the West End production. Cordelia Farnworth (Sherrie) and Cameron Sharp (Franz) will both play roles they understudied in the West End. 

New cast members include: Stephen Rahman-Hughes (Lonny), Jack Lord (Hertz), Jessie May (Regina), Tom Andrew Hargreaves (Joey Primo) and Rakesh Boury (Mayer).

Ben Richards & Noel Sullivan to star as Stacee Jaxx & Drew Boley in Rock Of Ages UK Tour

It has been announced that Ben Richards (pictured right) and Noel Sullivan will star as Stacee Jaxx and Drew Boley in the upcoming UK Tour of Rock Of Ages.

Following a three-year run in London’s West End, the UK Tour of Rock Of Ages will open at The Palace Theatre in Manchester on 5th May 2014.

The show will then tour until November 2014, visiting: Birmingham, Edinburgh, Torquay, Nottingham, Bromley, Bradford, Aylesbury, Bristol, Stoke, Liverpool, Sunderland, Glasgow, Brighton, Milton Keynes, Woking, York, Southampton, Dublin, Belfast, Hull, Cardiff, Oxford, Sheffield, Southend and Wimbledon.

Rock Of Ages to close 2nd November

It has been announced that the West End production of Rock Of Ages will close at the Garrick Theatre on 2nd November 2013.

Rock Of Ages originally opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre in August  2011 before moving to the Garrick Theatre in January 2013.

A post on the show's official Twitter page reads "Lighters at the ready as Rock Of Ages will rock for the last time at the Garrick Theatre on Nov 2nd. Thanks for all the ROAdie love."

Interview: Tim Driesen

Tim Driesen is currently playing Joey Primo as well as alternating Drew and understudying Stacee Jaxx in the West End production of Rock Of Ages at the Garrick Theatre. After leaving the musical on 27th July, Tim will originate the role of Frankie Valli in the Dutch production of Jersey Boys. He was recently nominated for West End Frame’s Understudy of the Year Award.

Tim’s theatre credits include: Young Ken Barlow in “Coronation Street Of Dreams” (MEN Arena), Galileo in “We Will Rock You” (Antwerp, Nominated VMP Best Actor in a Musical), Phoebus and Gringoire in “Notre Dame de Paris” (Antwerp & Asian tour, winner VMP Best Supporting Actor in a Musical), creating the part of Adrian Banks/Mark Owen in “Never Forget” (Savoy Theatre and UK tour), Mark in “Rent in Concert” (Garrick Theatre), “Starlight Express” (UK tour), “The Rocky Horror Show” (European Tour), “Bat Boy- the musical” (Shaftesbury Theatre), “Mamma Mia” (Prince Edward Theatre), Joseph in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (UK tour) and David Cassidy/Donny Osmond in “Thank You For The Music” (UK tour).

Last week I caught up with Tim between shows to discuss his time in Rock Of Ages, how he’s been preparing to play Frankie Valli and his favourite shows in London...

You only have a couple of weeks left in Rock Of Ages, what will you miss most about the show?

Whenever you leave the show it’s always the people you miss the most, regardless of how long you’ve been in it for. It sounds cliché, but over the past ten months we’ve become a family. It’s funny because you don’t choose to be together, everyone’s thrown together by chance, yet everyone still gets on and we’ve had an amazing time together. I see more of my colleagues than I do of my real family so to suddenly not see everyone every day will be very strange!

Review: Rock Of Ages at the Garrick Theatre

Rock Of Ages
Garrick Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 19th June 2013

Featuring the greatest 80s rock songs, Rock Of Ages provides a night like no other. The show is most certainly the loudest, sexiest and hottest musical in London. Following a 16 month run at the Shaftesbury Theatre, earlier this year Rock of Ages transferred to the slightly smaller Garrick Theatre. The Garrick is the perfect home for Rock of Ages as the show's design is fairly simple and it provides a slightly more intimate experience which works with the tongue-in-cheek humour.

West End Frame Awards 2012: Full Winners List

Throughout 2012 West End Frame readers have voted in the West End Frame Awards. Unlike other theatre awards we only open voting for one category at a time. We would like to thank everyone who voted and supported the awards, your support has been incredible! We received thousands of votes and can't wait to open our 2013 awards!

Scroll through the list below to see who won the seven 2012 West End Frame Awards.

Rock of Ages confirms move to the Garrick Theatre

The West End production of Rock of Ages will transfer to the Garrick Theatre from January 18th. The production is booking until 2nd November 2013. Rock Of Ages closes at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 6th January 2013. 

Funniest Performance in a West End Show: 1st - 5th Place

1st Place

Daniel Buckley

Marvin Camden

Loserville

28%

Daniel's theatre credits include Loserville (West Yorkshire Playhouse), Lord of the Flies (UK tour), Fresher – The Musical (Edinburgh Fringe) and Spring Awakening (UK tour). Next year he will join the original London cast of The Book Of Mormon as Stand-By Elder Cunningham. Daniel is outstanding as Marvin Camden in Loserville at the Garrick Theatre. He is one of those performers who demands an audience's attention. Daniel thoroughly deserves the 2012 West End Frame Award for Funniest Performance in a West End Show. Click here to read our recent four star review of Loserville.

Details announced for next West End Frame Award: Funniest Performance in a West End Show

Voting for 'Funniest Performance in a West End Show' has now opened! CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Details have been announced for the next West End Frame Award. From tomorrow (Monday 5th November), West End Frame readers will be able to vote in a new category entitled 'Funniest Performance in a West End Show'. The 12 nominees are from some of the West End's most popular shows including Mamma Mia!, Loserville, The 39 Steps, A Chorus Of Disapproval, Les Miserables, Rock Of Ages and Wicked. The identities of the 12 nominees will be revealed tomorrow morning when voting opens.

Previously this year West End Frame readers have already voted in five categorises: Best West End Debut, Understudy Of The Year, Most Wanted Actor/Actress To Return To The West End, Best Performance Of A Song In A Musical and Best Rock Musical. 

Interview: Tim Driesen, currently playing Joey Primo/alternate Drew in Rock Of Ages

Tim Driesen is currently playing Joey Primo/alternate Drew in the West End production of Rock Of Ages at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Tim's theatre credits include Young Ken Barlow in “Coronation Street Of Dreams” (MEN Arena), Galileo in “We Will Rock You” (Antwerp, Nominated VMP Best Actor in a Musical), and Mark in “Rent in Concert” (Garrick Theatre). He also created the part of Adrian Banks/Mark Owen in “Never Forget” (Savoy Theatre and UK tour). Tim chats to West End Frame about Rock Of Ages, the show he is currently writing and what roles he would like to play in the future...

How are you enjoying Rock Of Ages so far? 

It’s a total joy of a show to be working on. I get to work with great colleagues on and off stage, sing songs I’ve enjoyed listening to for years every night and get away with wearing outlandish wigs… what’s not to like?!

Why do you think the show is so popular? 

It must be because it’s just pure fun. The show doesn't take itself seriously at all and takes the mickey out of musical theatre in an endearing way. It’s a high energy show with lots of humour and popular songs. It’s the kind of show girls can take their boyfriends to and it’ll be the boyfriend that will book tickets to come and see the show again (80/90’s songs and scantily clad girls may have something to do with it). 

Interview: Ross Hunter, currently starring as Drew in Rock Of Ages

Ross Hunter is currently playing Drew in the West End production of Rock Of Ages at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Ross's theatre credits include My Fair Lady Proms 2012 (Royal Albert Hall); Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (Workshop); Ensemble and understudy to Warner and UPS guy in Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre) and Ensemble as well as understudying and playing the role of Galileo in We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre). Ross chats to West End Frame about joining Rock Of Ages, life behind the scenes at the Shaftesbury Theatre and what West End roles he has his eye on...

You recently joined Rock Of Ages as Drew, how are you finding it so far? 

I'm loving the show at the minute. Rock classics, a kick ass band and a brilliant cast - what more could you ask for? It's so much fun to do and I'm really settling into the role of 'Drew'.

Burn The Floor returns to the West End March 2013

Latin and ballroom dance show Burn the Floor is returning to the Shaftesbury Theatre from 6th March to 1st September 2013, following the closure of Rock of Ages on 6th January. Stars Kristina Rihanoff and Robin Windsor are set to join 16 other dancers for a journey through ten styles of ballroom dance.

Burn the Floor is a breathtaking blend of Latin and Ballroom dance first conceived as a special performance at Sir Elton John's 50th birthday celebration in 1997. Two years later, the show made its world premiere in the U.K. and quickly took the globe by storm.

Rock of Ages to close at the Shaftesbury Theatre and begins search for a new home

Whatsonstage.com has confirmed that Rock of Ages is closing at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 6th January 2012. The musical will apparently move to another, yet-to-be-confirmed West End theatre.

The show opened at the Shaftesbury on 28th September 2011 and features popular rock songs including "Don’t Stop Believin’", "We Built This City", "The Final Countdown", "Here I Go Again" and "Can’t Fight This Feeling".

Its replacement at the Shaftesbury is due to be confirmed imminently, while its new home - speculated to be the Duchess - will be announced in the coming weeks.

Review: Rock Of Ages (Film) - I would just go and see the show

Rock Of Ages (Film)
Directed by Adam Shankman
Released 15th June 2012

When I heard that Rock Of Ages was being made into a film, I presumed it would be similar to the musical - a light hearted fun night out. I did not expect to be sitting there, cringing for the majority of the two hour film.

The reason that the musical works so well is because it doesn't take itself too seriously. The story is light hearted and the character of Lonny narrates the show making it a perfect, chilled, fun night out. However, in the film the storyline is completely serious and simply does not work. The first scene sees Sherrie travelling to Los Angeles on a packed bus with hopes of making it as a singer. I could tell she was about to start singing and I found myself sitting there praying that she didn't. But of course... she did. Then I joked to my friends that the whole bus would start singing and sure enough, one by one each passenger started to join in. It was terrible. I honestly had tears rolling down my cheeks as I was cringing so much. The thought that I had to sit through another two hours of this film terrified me. 

The films saving grace is Russel Brand. If it wasn't for his fantastic performance as Lonny there is no way I would have given this film more than one star. His scene with Alec Baldwin where they sing 'Can't Fight This Feeling' was just as funny as in the musical and this time I had tears rolling down my cheeks for the right reasons. 

Tom Cruise played a hardcore Stacee Jaxx! I liked the fact he had a completely different interpretation of the character which is what I want to see in a film version of a musical. His entrance was amazing but I won't spoil it in case anybody does actually want to see the film. 

Diego Boneta and Julianne Hough were fine as Drew and Sherrie. Their voices were good and their acting was predictable. They didn't bring anything new to the roles. Julianne Hough looked a lot like Susan McFadden and to be honest I would have much preferred to have watched Susan play the role. 

Mary J. Blige was good as Justice but producers obviously wanted to get their moneys worth and found a way to slot her into every single song which is strange as her character is so irrelevant to the story. Alec Baldwin was also good. He had a lot of chemistry with Russel Brand (thank god). I found it really awkward to watch Catherine Zeta-Jones as Patricia Whitmore. It just felt so fake and I advice you to just ignore her backing dancers as they were also incredibly cringey.

Rock Of Ages is nothing like musical films of Dreamgirls and Mamma Mia. After watching these films you almost feel the urge to stand up and give a round of applause. If I was you I wouldn't waste your hard earned cash on buying a ticket to see Rock Of Ages in the cinema, just wait till it comes out on Sky Movies so you can cringe alone in the comfort of your own home with affordable home made popcorn. Alternately go and see the musical at The Shaftesbury Theatre starring Shayne Ward and Justin Lee Collins. 

Visit http://www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk/ for more information regarding the musical. 

May Poll Details Announced - who will be crowned West End Understudy Of The Year 2012?

Following the success of our previous polls for 'Who would you like to see return to the West End', 'Best Performance Of A Song In A Musical' and 'Best Rock Musical' we can exclusively reveal that in our next poll you will be voting for 'West End Understudy Of The Year 2012'. We are currently finalizing the nominations. Voting will open in two days time (Friday 4th May 2012) and you will have 20 days to vote until voting ends on Thursday 24th of may (time to be announced nearer the time).

We look forward to opening the poll, we hope it will be as successful as all the previous ones... see you Friday evening when voting will open!!

Update: The poll has now opened, click here to vote for 'West End Frame's Understudy Of The Year 2012'

Some of the shows which will have cast members nominated are...

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....
_ _ _

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