Review of Rock of Ages at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Having not seen the Tom Cruise film version of ‘Rock of Ages’, I wasn’t really sure what to expect when it came to a live production of it by the WBOS at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, but I had a feeling I would at least love the 80’s rock soundtrack.

To call this production “amateur” once again would feel like an almost uncomfortable insult. The set is impressive, as are the costumes, choreography, and acting; and credit must be given to the band “Arsenal” who flawlessly provided the soundtrack to the story.

If you like your stories on the intellectual side, “Rock of Ages” might not tick all your boxes, but if you are prepared to relax and rock, and enjoy a very tongue in cheek tale of life in the 80’s for two people who fall in love (Sheree and Drew); whilst both trying to pursue different dreams,  then ‘Rock of Ages’ is for you!

All this occurs amongst a fight to save Hollywood club ‘The Bourbon Room’ from being shut down by hilarious German father and son developers, Hertz and Franz Klinemann.

There is also a hint of a potential romance developing between Franz and nerdy mayor’s planner Regina (expertly played by Emma Wetherall).

The cast were all amazing, as were the German and US accents which were maintained throughout.

The audience took a little while to embrace the show, but once they ‘got it’, the atmosphere improved tremendously and by the second half it truly rocked!

As a rocker of a certain age myself, I really appreciated the music and my favourite numbers were the medley of ‘More Than Words/To Be With You/Heaven’, which really highlighted Olivia Jones’ vocal performance as Sherrie;  and ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ which nicely showed off Lyndon Flavell’s amazing raw vocal talents as sleazy rock star Stacee Jaxx.

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(Photos courtesy of Ariane Photography Studio)

​Particularly in the second half of the show, the humour really shone through, and George Stuart had the audience in stitches with an amazing scene of Franz singing a very camped up ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’!

The show, in true cheesy style ended with ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ and the audience lapped this up, having been completely won over by this hilarious production.