It seems like years since the Romiley-based company NK Theatre Arts performed on stage. Severly put back by the RAAC problems at their home venue, The Forum Theatre, they have finally found an alternative, friendly and accommodating venue in the form of New Mills's Art Theatre, and their production of 'Rock Of Ages' here puts them firmly back up where they belong! I can only hope that Stockport Council are digging deep into their pockets to recompense this society.
And so, travelling just that few extra miles down the road, and crossing over into deepest darkest Derbyshire proved to be an excellent move. Never mind that the stage is considerably smaller, and that other things such as a significant rake, strange downstage rabbithole exits, and a whole different acoustic needed to be considered; the society was performing on a real stage, and their vision of this jukebox anthem to the hard rock sounds of the 1980's has at last been realised....... and yes, it was worth the wait!
Directed by Paul Wilson, who also performed the role of aging rocker Dennis, this was one of the best interpretations I have thus far seen of this show. The storyline, for what it is, is shoe-horned in to showcase as many well-known hits as possible, but it is often either ignored or told in a very bland, laissez-faire way. This evening however, Wilson was not content with simply letting the songs speak for themselves, and his fondness for corny comedy shined through in every scene. Lovely directorial touches abounded, whilst the comedy never stole the show's nor the music's thunder.
Narrating the show, in a very self-effacing and effete way, in a characterisation all his own, was John Redfern as Lonny. Traditionally played much straighter and louder than this, Redfern found a character that was both hilarious and centred, credible and creditable.
Rocking along with him in their cause to save The Bourbon Rooms and indeed The Strip's reputation were Drew (Mike Miller), Sherie (Alison Baines), Dennis (Paul Wilson), Stacee Jaxx (Isaac Brooks), and a whole host of rock chicks ensemble; whilst in the red corner, from Germany, were father and son Hertz and Franz (Martyn Preston and Todd Bennett), with referee would-be mayor, Regina (Jade Wilbraham). This was a high energy and no punches pulled production, with everyone on full throttle the whole evening.
Characterisations were fun and secure, vocals were very strong and nicely placed.... this is not an easy sing. Rock songs are very demanding and require a completely different technique from the usual musical theatre repertoire. Choreography was fun, slick, and superb. The onstage band was excellent throughout, and despite a slight mic / amp disaster just at the start of "More Than Words", the sound levels were perfect. Just loud enough to be considered rock, and not too loud to be out of place in a theatre. Lighting etc was creative and worked well, and costuming was mostly excellent.
All in all, despite the rough ride this society and this show has taken to arrive at its destination, this was a truly upbeat, tongue-in-cheek love poem to those heady hard rock years of the 1980s. Bravo!
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 10.4.23
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