EntertainmentTheatre

Rock of Ages at the Sunderland Empire Review

RockOfAgesRock of Ages
Sunderland Empire

28 July to 2 August 2014

www.atgtickets.com/sunderland

Reviewed by Amy Jones

Currently touring at the Sunderland Empire theatre is the award winning musical Rock of Ages, a fantastic production and an absolute must see!

The show took us back in time to the late 80’s in Los Angeles. It follows the love story between the main characters Drew, played by Noel Sullivan of Hearsay fame, and Sherrie Christian, played Cordelia Farnworth, however this storyline is very much in the background to incredible music in the show.

Noels Sullivan’s voice is incredible, and at times totally breathtaking – it really needs to be heard to be believed!

Unbelievably in this production we were treated to a trip down memory lane with 31 classic rock classics from the 1980’s. All songs were relevant to the storyline, and sometimes used to illustrate punch lines to the jokes. Songs included “We Built This City”, “Wanted Dead or Alive” and “Here I Go Again”. A standout, however was Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”, while sounding nothing like the original, it had the whole audience roaring with laughter. This was followed in quick succession by another classic song, “I Can’t Fight This Feeling” which was portrayed in a very humorous way by the characters of Dennis, played by Daniel Fletcher, and Lonny (Stephen Rahman-Hughes). Stephen’s portrayal of Lonny throughout the show was a particular highlight, his interaction with the audience, and off the cuff jokes kept the flow of the show and was used as a focal point for the audience – absolutely brilliant.

The costumes and stage were in keeping with the era of the 1980’s – including larger than life hair, neon and rock and roll image. This gave the characters a lot of license to make the show as fun as possible.

Overall this production is fantastic…  a definite 5/5, probably not suitable for the younger audience due to the risqué dancing and costumes but for all you 80s lovers it’s definitely the one for you!

Rating: 5/5 thumbs_up

Tickets cost from £12.90 to £38.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

Rock of Ages is at the Sunderland Empire until 2 August 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3022.

Sunderland Empire, High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3EX | 0844 871 3022

5Star

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