Review | 'Packed with future stars': Rock of Ages at Theatre Royal, Portsmouth

At its core, Rock of Ages is the timeless tale of sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll, sticking it to The Man, sticking it to each other, and sticking it to German confectionery. This production leant fully into the sweat-soaked madness of the Bourbon Room, delivering big vocals, big laughs and even bigger hair.

Phoebe Catherine was terrific as Drew, capturing both the swagger and vulnerability of the aspiring rocker, while Maddie Lambley’s Sherrie came armed with a voice so heavenly, lighters waved themselves in the air. Liz Davies was rock royalty as Dennis Dupree. Warm, wise and gloriously grounded amid the chaos.

George Sheehan unleashed full rock god swagger as Stacey Jaxx, all hips, ego and dangerous charisma. While Isaac Slade and Matthew Ashley were deliciously unhinged as Hertz and Franz Klinemann, who met their match with Madison Wright’s riotous and dissident Regina.

But let’s be honest. The night truly belonged to Sephy Weavers as Lonny. Breaking the fourth wall like it owed her money, Weavers was a glam metal hurricane with razor-sharp comedy, perfect timing and chemistry with Liz Davies that could power the Strip. A born ringmaster of rock chaos

The ensemble deserves huge praise. Every member was vital in building the buzzing Sunset Strip atmosphere, filling the stage with colour, movement and relentless energy. Let’s not forget the face-meltingly good house band who were the beating heart of the show, driving every anthem home with arena level power cranked all the way up to 11.

With vocals that soar, riffs that slay and comedy that got the eyeliner running, this was an incredible production with an outstanding cast brimming with talent and absolutely packed with future stars.

Chichester Conservatoire didn’t just stage Rock of Ages they wrote a love letter to rock and delivered it at full volume.