Rock of Ages opens in Wolverhampton

Big bands, big egos and big hair were in full force in the musical set in the tail end of the 1980s in Hollywood.

With music from bands including Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Europe and other 80s classics, the production at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre profiles the life of an aspiring rock star, although is largely a love story.

Aspiring singer Sherrie Christian is rescued from trouble by the handsome and charismatic Drew, a barman at the legendary club the Bourbon Room.

With stars in their eyes, the young lovers chase their dreams, but a misunderstanding involving rock god Stacee Jaxx threatens to tear them apart.

The show opened on Broadway in 2009, followed by a short West End run in 2011, before being made into a movie a year later, starring Tom Cruise and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Actor David Walters, from Pendeford, plays Drew, with Olivia Jones as Sherrie.

The amateur production, performed by West Bromwich Operatic Society (WBOS), unconventionally breaks the 'fourth wall' where the cast speak directly to the audience.

WBOS stalwart Simon Pugh narrates the piece appearing as Lonny, while Lyndon Flavell, from Penn, will provide vocals in the role of Stacee Jaxx. Scott Bird, sales and marketing manager at the Grand, said: "The chance to work with local companies is always exciting as we see the show develop from rehearsal to performance. There's a sense of ownership about the process and people like to support something produced on home turf.

"West Bromwich Operatic Society have a show unlike most others this week with a full rock band on stage.

"The company have just announced next year's show and it couldn't be further from the Sunset Strip as they'll be presenting Priscilla Queen Of The Desert which went on sale yesterday."

Simon Pugh, who plays Lonny the narrator in the show, said: "We've had great fun rehearsing the show since November.

"We can't wait to go again and get the audience rocking with all those classic songs.

"The show has a massive feel-good ending and we hope everyone is looking forward to a truly spectacular show."

WBOS will be celebrating its 80th anniversary next year and has held productions at venues across the region including the Plaza Theatre, West Bromwich, The Windsor, Bearwood, Dudley Hippodrome and The Alexandra Theatre, in Birmingham.

They have been holding regular productions at the Grand for the last 20 years.

Rock of Ages shows at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 7.30pm everyday until Saturday.

To buy tickets priced at £16.50 go to www.grandtheatre.co.uk or call 01902 429212.