Well, I have finally got round to writing my blog on Rock of
Ages (ROA), which I last saw on 2nd September...my only excuse is I've been
drowning under pre-uni reading :(. Anyway, here we go...
On the 2nd September I went to see ROA at the Shaftesbury
Theatre for the 4th and 5th time. I was originally going to the matinee and
that alone as I had to show my friend the amazingness of Oliver Tompsett as
Drew before he left at the end of this month (it has now been announced he will
be joining We Will Rock You as Galileo...new favourite musical!!!). However, we
were both persuaded (well it doesn't take a lot where musicals are concerned)
to go and see the evening show as well.
My obsession with this show started because of a certain Mr
Tompsett who I was already in love with after seeing him in Wicked a number of
times. As soon as I heard he would be in ROA I just had to buy tickets.
However, I was completely blown away by the whole package of the show enough to
go back and see it one day after the other (I thought that was mad enough at
the time) and then twice in one day.
You may wonder what the point is of seeing the same show
twice in one day as all the jokes and quirks will still be fresh in your mind.
Well, have no fear, I was still in hysterics the second time and was still
blown away by the brilliance of the whole performance.
As hinted at, the show overall is absolutely hilarious,
brilliantly written and has a killer soundtrack. The storyline is not the most
challenging in existence but then who really wants to sit there analysing in a
feel good show, so I'd say its line is perfect for the show's mood. My only
advice with the storyline is that it, and some of the jokes involved, are rude
and sexual so it always worries me when I see parents bringing their 6 year
olds...this is not a show for the kids!!!
The music is truly amazing, however it is 80's rock so if
this is not your style I would suggest you stay away. The volume, I would say,
is possibly louder then We Will Rock You, so yet again if you have an aversion
to loud music stay away. On the other hand, if loud rock music is your thing I
strongly suggest you beg, borrow or steal a ticket just for the pleasure of
sitting through over 2hrs of amazing songs.
So what about the actual talent in the show? Well, on the
2nd September the majority of the cast was understudies. My main worry that
Lonny, who is normally played by the amazingly talented Simon Lipkin (another
obsession of mine), was to be played by Nathan Amiz. As I watched the show for
the 4th time I did not have high expectations as I didn't think anyone could
get near the perfection of Simon's Lonny, nevertheless, I was completely wrong
and although Nathan portrayed a different type of Lonny, it was still one of
the most hilarious things is ever seen and I have to say I'm rather
disappointed that Nathan is leaving with the upcoming cast change, although the
good news is that Simon is staying...YAY!!!
The other main cast members that were understudied were
Stacee Jaxx (normally played by Shayne Ward), Dennis (normally played by Justin
Lee Collins) and Sherrie (normally played by Natalie Andredu). Now I'm not
normally one for celebrities taking roles in shows as they are normally picked
for their name and not their talent, however, in the case of Shayne and Justin
I take back this statement as the two of them are fabulous and yet again it's a
shame they'll be leaving when the cast changes. The understudies for all the
above roles (Dylan Turner as Stacee, Grant Anthony as Dennis and Cordelia
Farnworth as Sherrie) were amazing and completely matched the brilliant talent
of the actual cast members...in a sense it's a shame that there are not more
lead roles as all the understudies deserve one.
Onto the parts that weren't understudied...as you can
probably guess I thought Oliver Tompsett (Drew) was absolutely fabulous and
could not be faulted. Near the end of the show, in the song 'Oh Sherrie' he
holds a note for flippin' ages...trust me it's one of the most amazing things
I've ever heard...the guy is just fabulous!!! The other cast members are Jodie
Jacobs (Regina/Candi) and Sandi Moffat (Franz) who are truly hilarious, Rachel
McFarlane (Justice) who has one of the most powerful voices I've ever heard and
Rohan Tickell (Hertz) who is just brilliant...oh and not forgetting the
ensemble who are the most talented group of people ever. If you get chance to
see the current cast before the cast change I strongly advise that you take the
opportunity with both hands. Nevertheless, I'm sure the next cast will be just
as talented...well I'll let you know as I'm sure to be sitting in one of those
super comfy seats at the Shaftesbury again!!!
Before I go I will mention a few other points. Firstly the
set is so clever yet basic and the lighting is out of this world although a
little bit blinding at times. Additionally, during the show, the in house team
wander round selling beer and other drinks...just be warned you are in a London
theatre so the prices are astronomical!!! Also, if you sit on the front row you
need to remember to keep your feet in to avoid any near misses of tripping cast
members up when they come running by. And finally, if you're staying in a hotel
you may want to apologise to the cleaning staff for the state your room will be
in when you return...I'll say no more but you'll see if you go!!!
So, basically, go and get tickets for this amazing show...go
on go...what are you waiting for...GOOOOO!!!
And I'll leave you with a picture of me with the amazing Mr Tompsett...however it is from the 1st time I saw the show as he's in costume and in the pictures from the last shows I look like a startled chicken :(
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Have any of you seen ROA? Did you think it was amazing as I
did? PLEASE comment below...oh and click on subscribe by e-mail (at the bottom
of the page) as well :)
Love you lots
Kat
xx
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