**** 4 Stars
“a fabulously rock driven show “
Edinburgh based Bare Productions really are building up acclaim for there now annual outings at the Fringe Festival in there home of Paradise in Augustines for a 9-day run in the early going of the festival. 2025 see’s the company taking on the jukebox musical “Rock of Ages” which marks its 20th anniversary of its debut in Los Angeles in 2005 at fittingly, The King King Club on Hollywood Boulevard.
Telling the story of Lonny Barnett (a fabulous comedy turn from Sam Eastop) who works at the Bourbon Room (a thin disguise for the real life Viper Room in L. A) his manager and love interest, Dennis (Will Jackson) and the clubs customers. It’s a story of love, ambition and holding onto one’s dreams all this warped up in a rock score featuring songs from Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi and Europe to name a but a few.
Bare have turned out a fabulously rock driven show with performances taking the focus from a well drilled 16 strong ensemble company who truly enjoy every moment on stage. The entire company blend powerhouse vocals with high energy Chorography. Leading the company is Joshua Scott as “Drew” whilst eternally cute also has the most magnificent rock voice that comes from his soul and nails every single song. Georgia Brennan as “Sherrie” is also a pocket rocket of talent and shines wonderfully well. Eastop and Will Jackson are comedy gold as Lonny and Dennis. Special mentions must go to Aodhan Mallon as Franz who takes straight camp to new heights and Rosie Sugrue as Justice, my word a west end worthy powerhouse of vocals that’s a pure joy to see on stage.
While the performances are excellent It was clear there were major technical issues going on with a delayed start to the evening performance. These difficulties particularly effected Musical Director Finlay Turnbull’s excellent 5 strong house band. One musician in particular clearly displayed their unhappiness so much, so it pulled the focus, especially heading off stage during a scene. Whilst that is very rock and roll its always worth remembering onstage bands are very much part of the over all production. The gremlins even got into the lighting towards the end of the show. That being said it became strikingly clear these issues were with the venue more than the performing company and with a bit of work hopefully these issues will be smoothed out for the rest of the run.
Rock of Ages truly delivers an entertaining evening of musical theatre that will have there sold out audiences rocking out to there hearts content as they embody the rock pantheon of Never Stop Believing! Wonderful Stuff!
Rock of Ages, Sanctuary at Paradise in Augustines (Venue 152) For more info go to: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/rock-of-ages
ScotsGay Arts 