Rock of Ages by WBOS, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - review

When West Bromwich Operatic Society (WBOS) took to The Grand's stage last night the group delivered everything you'd expect from a professional West End production.

Sincere and powerful vocals from Sherrie, played by Olivia Jones, rock and roll soul from Drew, played by David Walters, and a narrator that almost stole the show in Simon Pugh as Lonnie meant you could be forgiven for thinking you were actually on LA's infamous "strip".

Talented onstage musicians gave it all they got, delivering iconic tunes such as "I Wanna Rock" and "Wanted Dead or Alive".

Gregg Yates impressed as Bourbon Room owner Dennis Dupree and Lyndon Flavell as lead singer of rock band Arsenal was, well, everything you'd expect a lead singer of a rock band to be.

Early spotlighting issues were forgotten by the second act, where everyone seemed to relax into their characters and the show had more of a natural flow. The volume of the backing music in the second act was more palatable and meant the audience were able to appreciate more of the storyline being played out on stage.

Telling the story of how corrupt LA can be, how dreams can fall by the wayside and how the roots of a city can often be lost in the face of progress, the plot of the show was an apt, if not sometimes an un-PC story.

The chorus kept the whole production going and kept the energy up. Despite a questionable moment where they were all dressed as a gospel choir on the stairs of the bar, the chorus were the backbone of the production, lending their hands to a variety of characters – from protesters to strippers... Sorry, "exotic dancers."

Emma Wetherall delivered some great characterisation as protester and defender of LA's roots, Regina. George Stuart as Franz Klinemann was a triumph and a much-loved character by the end of the show.

The choreography was sound, the music impressive, the breaking down of the 4th wall by Lonnie was inspired.

And the final song, "Don't Stop Believin", well, it got the audience, of all ages, rockin' out on their feet.

Rock of Ages runs at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre, Lichfield Street until April 29. Tickets cost from £16.50 to £25. For more information, visit https://www.grandtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/musicals/rock-of-ages/ or call the box office on 01902 429 212.

By Jess Labhart