Rock of Ages ****

I not so secretly want to be a rock star. So, however outwardly superficial Rock of Ages might appear to the critic, the celebration of sex, drugs, and rock and roll makes for a definite feel good musical. I complain about jukebox musicals breeding like rampant bunnies, and am not one for, well, a happy musical. They usually feel like nothing musicals; a cliché with tapping arms and legs, and boring songs. But Rock of Ages uses this to poke fun at the musical theatre genre, wherein lie these four stars. In particular, the moment when Lonny takes out a programme and informs Drew (Oliver Tompsett) that he's in a musical, “You used to be in Mamma Mia?! [sings] Look at you now...”

Photo: Tristam Kenton

Drew and Sherry are two young wannabes hoping to make it in New York, who happen to fall in love, but are torn apart by an inevitable misunderstanding. Simple enough, Rock of Ages isn’t about substance but dreaming. And obviously not every theatregoer wants something intellectually stimulating every time they go out, where’s the fun in that? So I can’t bring myself to throw stones at writer Chris D’Arienzo for keeping it simple; at this expense, the show is actually laugh a minute which is a tremendous feat in itself. I haven’t laughed this much at the theatre since...well, I haven’t ever.

There is an unstoppable energy in this flawless ensemble, necessary for the driven sound of this show. Rock of Ages is set against 80’s rock anthems; We Built This City, The Final Countdown, and Don’t Stop Believing, amongst them. Musical theatre is difficult territory for rock music (you could argue it has stolen We Will Rock You’s formula of awful story plus immense music) but Rock of Ages creates the atmosphere of a Sunset Strip gig. Tompsett is an established leading man, and his vocal dexterity is astounding, possessing the metallic edge to elevate him from stage star to rock star. Simon Lipkin as Lonny jostles with Tompsett for star of the show; he is hilarious. He has a t-shirt that says ‘Hooray for Boobies’, prances and gyrates and rubs his nipples, makes a point by eating inanimate objects…I’ve seen Rock of Ages twice and he makes the whole cast (and himself) corpse left, right and centre he’s so funny.

There are a couple of actual ‘stars’ in the cast in the shape of Justin Lee Collins and Shane Ward. Collins has a gay plotline with Lonny as owners of the infamous Bourbon Room – never has a fog machine been so moving. Both hold their own well within their cast, and aren’t at all disappointing as you might expect, after seeing other so-called celebrities that have ventured to tread the boards. A mention must also go to Regina (Jodie Jacobs) – “Oh, I get it! Regina rhymes with pussy!” – and Franz (Sandy Moffat) – “I’m not gay! I’m German!” Beneath the hippy socks worn with sandals and lycra bodysuits, is a heartfelt example of sticking it to the man. A refrain of Kelly Devine’s choreography, which makes you want to leap out of your seat and join in.

It’s just occurred to me, this has transferred to London at a very appropriate time considering our riotous attitude towards the current government. But seriousness aside, if the music and laughs don’t tickle your fancy enough, the cast don’t wear very much.