I’ll start with a confession. This is now the fourth time I’ve seen an Andover Musical Theatre (AMTC) production without ever watching the film version first. Yes, once again, I’ve busted my musical-theatre cherry – and somehow it still feels special every time.
At this point I’ve accepted that AMTC keep “busting my cherry” with every new show — they’re the confident, experienced veterans and I’m the eager theatre virgin who turns up not knowing what I’m about to get. And honestly? They treat me exactly how you’d hope: teasing, tempting, showing me things I didn’t expect, and making sure I enjoy every single moment. They take the lead, I happily go along for the ride, and somehow they always manage to make it feel like the first time all over again.
This time, however, I arrived at The Lights with an unexpected twist: either an ear infection or a perforated eardrum in my left ear. The culprit? My questionable hobby of sticking cotton buds where they absolutely shouldn’t go. I know, I know – don’t do it. But, like licking a battery, there’s a strange thrill that feels just worth the consequences.
Thankfully, Rock of Ages was all pleasure and absolutely zero pain – even with one good working ear (I only needed one ear to hear how good this show was, I envy those with 2 good ears).
(Photo Credits: James Cumpsty)
A Wall of Sound and a Stage Full of Energy
The beating heart of this production was the on-stage live band, led brilliantly by Alun Grace & Eddie Nias. They didn’t just accompany the show; they were part of its DNA. Even with my hearing doing its best impression of a blocked drainpipe, the energy, the punch, and the sheer musical presence came through loud and clear. The band powered the performances, and the cast matched them beat for beat. It was also a real treat to see Andover Radio’s very own Rock Café host — and veteran drummer — Dave Allon behind the kit, adding his trademark flair and helping drive that authentic 80s rock sound.
A Veteran’s Perspective
At this point, I consider myself an AMTC veteran with the amount of shows I’ve seen. I’ve grown oddly attached to the performers, not in a weird ” Awwww Theatre Friends👍👍” way and sending them lockets of my hair – their personalities, their previous roles, their quirks on stage. Watching them step into new characters in Rock of Ages felt like seeing old friends take on new adventures. It added an unexpected warmth to a show filled with glam-rock attitude and tongue-in-cheek bravado.
A Simple Set, A Big Payoff
The production’s single set stayed constant throughout, supported by clever, memorable props. I have to give a nod to the toilet prop, which was bizarrely one of my favourites. With a fixed stage, this show relied heavily on its cast to push the story forward – like a low-budget film that succeeds because of its actors rather than its effects. And boy, did they deliver.
Standout Performances
What really struck me in this production was how deeply the cast committed to their characters. Rock of Ages might look like a wild, neon-lit glam-fest on the surface, but it needs genuine emotional beats, comic timing, and big personalities to land properly — and this cast delivered all of that in spades.
Ryan Boath as Lonny didn’t just narrate the show; he steered it. He had that rare ability to break the fourth wall without ever breaking the momentum. His comic timing was razor-sharp, and the way he bounced off the rest of the cast made every aside and joke feel alive and spontaneous. It was a performance layered with charm, cheekiness, and just enough mischief to keep the audience hooked.
Jon Baron absolutely lived in the skin of Stacee Jaxx — swaggering around the stage like a man who knows the world adores him, even while it’s slipping away. He captured the ridiculousness and the tragedy of the character beautifully. Every gesture, every stare into the middle distance, every rock-god pose was spot-on.
Louise Ellison brought real presence as Justice. She gave the role warmth, strength, and a cool confidence that grounded the madness of the Sunset Strip. Her scenes added a depth the show really needs, and she delivered it effortlessly.
Glynn Juliff as Drew was wonderfully earnest — the perfect mixture of innocence, ambition, and emotional vulnerability. You wanted him to succeed, and his voice carried the kind of authenticity that made every big number hit harder.
Laura Budd, meanwhile, was the standout for me. Her Sherrie was layered, expressive, and beautifully nuanced. She switched between comedic beats and emotional moments with such ease that it felt completely natural. Her singing didn’t just fill the room — it lifted the entire emotional arc of the show.
Paul Marsh and Chrissy Hotton also deserve a huge nod. Their roles as Regina and Dennis Dupree brought an infectious energy and comic rhythm that elevated every scene they were in. Their chemistry with the rest of the cast — and each other — made the world of the show feel lively, chaotic, and wonderfully cohesive.
Every performer on that stage, from leads to ensemble, played their role like they were the heartbeat of the production. The chemistry, the confidence, and the commitment made it one of the tightest and most entertaining AMTC productions I’ve seen.
A New Side of AMTC
I have to applaud AMTC for leaning into the more explicit side of Rock of Ages. From the language to the choreography, there was a new boldness – a cheekiness – that I’ve never seen from them before. And honestly? I thoroughly enjoyed it. It felt like watching a company push itself, open up, and have an absolute blast doing it.
Final Thoughts
Look, this isn’t a puff piece to sell tickets. I was entertained, I was captivated, and I left the theatre genuinely buzzing (in both ears… well, ear). AMTC once again delivered a night packed with talent, heart, humour, and pure rock ’n’ roll energy.
Five stars.
A blistering, joyful, loud (even for those with a dodgy eardrum) triumph.
