Chichester Conservatoire students bring Broadway and West End Smash hit ROCK OF AGES to Portsmouth
Following an incredibly successful 2024/25 season, the Musical Theatre Performance Company is very proud to present this Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical comedy to kick off 2026 in style.
The show is brought to you by the same team that produced The Lightning Thief and Amélie in their 2024/25 season.
Led by Resident Producer, Andrew Wright with Direction by Emma Kilbey, Musical Direction from Adam Blosse and Choreography by Sophia Truesdell.
It’s the tail end of the big, bad 1980s in Hollywood, and the party has been raging hard. Aqua Net, Lycra, lace and liquor flow freely at one of the Sunset Strip’s last legendary venues, a place where sex machine Stacee Jaxx takes the stage and scantily clad groupies line up to turn their fantasies into reality. Amidst the madness, aspiring rock star (and resident toilet cleaner) Drew longs to take the stage as the next big thing (and longs for small-town girl Sherri, fresh off the bus from Kansas with stars in her eyes). But the rock ’n’ roll fairy tale is about to end when German developers sweep into town with plans to turn the fabled Strip into just another capitalist strip mall. Can Drew, Sherri and the gang save the strip – and themselves – before it’s too late? Only the music of hit bands Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and more hold the answer.
Final year student, Phoebe Jones who is playing the lead role of Drew commented on the experience: “We are all really enjoying the process of putting this hilarious, energetic, head-banging musical on its feet! Entering the world of LA’s ‘80s rock and roll scene through my character Drew has been such an exciting and rewarding challenge for me. He is a hopeful dreamer chasing rock stardom while struggling with confidence, love and finding his own voice. Having the opportunity to showcase this musical at the stunning Theatre Royal alongside this amazing cast and creative team is something I am so unbelievably excited about.”.
Phoebe’s cast member and fellow student, George Sheehan, who plays Stacee Jaxx said “Being a part of a show like Rock of Ages is a joy and a privilege. Performing such iconic numbers as well as working with an amazing cast and creative team is an honour. Stacee Jaxx is an absolute blast to play! I can't wait for people to come and see all our hard work”.
Producer, Andrew Wright, says “Rock of Ages is a fun, nostalgic, over-the-top jukebox musical filled with 80s rock hits, praised for its high energy and catchy tunes. It is a feel-good night out, perfect for fans of classic rock and those wanting a light-hearted, energetic show”.
Rock Of Ages performs at Theatre Royal, 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth on 24th January at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets start from £12 - https://www.newtheatreroyal.com/whats-on/rock-of-ages/
Rock Of Ages -Book by Chris D’Arienzo. Arrangements and Orchestrations by Ethan Popp. This amateur production of ROCK OF AGES is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd.