In the teenage mind of fifty years ago, ten years ago and nowadays, the words "rock" and "musical" would never have made it into the same sentence... unless it was in a sarcastically and/or dramatically comparative sentence... but then most sentences, from my recollection, that teenagers come out with, are sarcastic or dramatic. That's not me generalizing teenagers... I'm simply being sarcastic and dramatic and remembering the old days.
Anyhow, times have changed and the term "rock musical" is a steadfast phrase in the West End frequenter's vocabulary. Which, let’s face it, is pretty awesome.
The audience to last Thursday evening's performance of Rock of Ages included many a teenager - wearing black, baggy band t-shirts similar to the ones I wear to bed and with hair similar to how mine looks in the morning- clutching their free torch lighter high in the air and bellowing the lyrics along with the performers as if to prove that, hell yeah, they know the words. This isn't a regular occurrence in Theatreland but Rock Of Ages seemed to inspire it and it was just one of the distractions provided in the experience. For example, there was the crotches... lot of crotches thrusted into the audience with a poignant vigour and for once I wasn't (as I normally am on the West End) envious of those sat in the front row, particularly because the ladies' outfits were... unconventional. I imagine it would have been just as distracting as the beer sellers were to the audience members who were sat on the aisle seats.
This rock musical gives you pretty much what you expect... with a mixed tape of classic rock anthems played live by an incredible rock band ('Arsenal') and thrown together to create some resemblance of a story line... On the interval, I started to ponder whether the show was going to develop into anything more meaningful but upon my return I was duly informed that that they are fully and sarcastically aware of their lacking, which was the biggest ironic laugh of the night. They invite you to laugh at (in a good way), as well as with them as the compere describes his lust for a show with a fantastically deep script and full of character development... but instead he presents Rock of Ages. So refreshing to watch a show that doesn't take itself too seriously, in a rock n roll way. You know the way... where eyeliner and synthetic leather trousers are acceptable.
Now, I don't want you thinking that this isn't a recommendation. It is. It was fabulously pretentious and unequivocally flighty and I freaking loved it! My only disappointment would be that my face did not melt as advertised. My face was permanently fixed to a shameless grin that only broadened while watching the compere in skin tight jeans (nice), and wearing more eyeliner than me, twirl his pink nipple tassle around and around with inconceivable skill and while listening to a charming camp character proclaim that no, he wasn't gay, simply Dutch. Classic, cheesy, cheap and fabulous.
Rock of Ages is not a show you can look unimpressed with in the same way you can't look unimpressed with a particularly over-zealous rollercoaster. Don't expect Shakespeare but expect to be entertained.
