journey inside my mind

So Last night I lost my West End virginity (of the theatrical kind), seeing my first ever musical in London’s famous West End district and also the first theatre show I have seen this year. Might sound insignificant but keep in mind that I’m a girl who practically LIVED at the Newcastle civic theatre and playhouse the past couple of years, working backstage, performing, supporting friends or simply enjoying the live entertainment. It would also be of no special significance or special occasion that I would pop on down to Sydney to see something on a slightly bigger and more professional scale. (Phantom of the Opera, Guys and Dolls, Wicked, The Lion King, Boy from Oz, Billy Elliot etc) So going cold turkey for the better part of this year was quite a change for me. Although, to be honest, it took me until last night to actually realise how much I do in fact miss the theatre. Not any particular aspect of it, but all of it. The whole package.

The show to bring it all back… Rock Of Ages! A jukebox musical featuring Justin Lee Collins and Shayne Ward promoted as “Spinal Tap meets Rocky Horror. A great night out”. I absolutely agree. Despite the less conventional, jukebox musical, narrated nature of the show it brilliantly combined amazing special effects, audience participation, ‘spot on’ lighting design and execution and a soundtrack to blow your mind. Couple this with the brilliant on stage chemistry of the romantic leads, dazzling costumes capturing complete essence and acclaim to the critical state of fashion in the 80’s (Complete with mullets, handlebars, skinny leather jeans, midriffs, perms and knee high boots) and awe inspiring choreography this musical provided entertainment on a whole new level.

Continuous breaking of the 4th wall and recognition of the cheesiness of the story (in fact even the recognition of the play as being simply that; a play) only added to the humour of the show, and did not subtract from the plotline whatsoever, which is always a risk that this theatre convention takes. Other basic theatrical techniques were used such as split stage blackouts, cyc projections, ensemble character changes etc. These basic techniques combined with very simple set changes (relative to this scale of production) acted to show that sometimes, less can be more and never to underestimate or overlook the value of basic theatrical elements.

A brilliant performance, very enjoyable night out, guaranteed to have you swaying with your lighter, singing your heart out, giving a standing ovation and ROCKING ON!

For More details on the show visit http://www.shaftesburytheatre.com/