Theatre is well and truly back as Milton Keynes welcomes West End smash Rock Of Ages this week, shamelessly loud, proud and a bit raunchy!
It's perfect escapism as late eighties Sunset Strip is the setting for a jukebox musical crammed with anthems from the likes of Whitesnake, Guns N Roses and Starship performed live with the band on stage alongside a concert quality light show and sound system so you'll feel like you're at a real gig, writes Chris Gregg.
Except this is musical theatre, and there's plenty of Plot in between the Rock. The story focusses on Drew, played by Luke Walsh, an aspiring rock star and his awkward attempts to get together with his love interest, Sherrie, played by Rhiannon Chesterman. They have a great chemistry together and a couple of belting duets.
Follow Total MK on Facebook: here and twitter here for breaking news in Milton Keynes
There's a starring role for Kevin Clifton, best known for reaching the final of Strictly five times and winning it four times, most recently with Stacey Dooley in 2018. His vocals are as incredible as his dancing and he gives a great performance as outrageous rocker Stacee Jaxx.
But it is the narrator, Loony, played by Joe Gash who steals the show in his theatre debut with his cheeky panto-esque interaction with the audience and flamboyant stage presence.
It's easy to see why this musical comedy has been such a global smash with seasons on Broadway, Las Vegas and of course the West End plus a 2012 Hollywood movie starring Tom Cruise - it's a show that promises the chance to "leave it all behind and lose yourself in a city and a time where the dreams are as big as the hair, and yes, they can come true"
It's a show that reminds you why live theatre is so important with the chance to enjoy amazing live music and a brilliant atmosphere together and share the experience with people who are all feeling the same way. As the cast say at the end - tell your friends that live theatre is back and let's get people back to see these great shows again.
