Falkirk Bohemians know how to rock with latest show

From the moment the curtain went up there was nothing but high energy on the Grangemouth Town Hall stage for the show’s opening night on Tuesday.

The talented cast once again did an incredible job of bringing rock to life and taking the audience on a delightful and funny journey.

For those who don't know the story, Rock of Ages follows aspiring rocker Drew (Alex Wheeler) and small town girl Sherrie (Hannah Parsons) who fall in love on LA’s Sunset Strip as they try to live their dreams. While the pair are falling for each other, the Bourbon Room club is at risk of being demolished by capitalist German developers and the people are determined to save it from the wrecking ball.

From start to finish, the show is full of 1980s rock anthems that were delivered powerfully and impeccably by the cast.

The story weaves its way around a jukebox of tracks from the likes of Journey, Foreigner, Europe, Bon Jovi, Poison and White Snake.

Even if you’re not familiar with all of the musical numbers, we’re sure the cast – and the incredible live band – will have your feet tapping, heads nodding and hands clapping.

Written by Chris D’Arienzo, the musical is packed with comedy and unforgettable characters.

And the Bohemians cast played each of them brilliantly.

Narrator Lonny, played by Ross Melville, unleashed his inner rock star on Tuesday night and brought many laughs to the stage. Ross’ energy was incredible and never faltered throughout the whole show.

The casting of Alex Wheeler as Drew (or is that Wolfgang Von Colt) alongside Hannah Parsons as LA newcomer Sherrie was the perfect pairing as they both nailed that awkward, naive, head in the clouds connection between their characters.

One of the shows many highlights was their moving duet of High Enough.

Andrew McAteer’s strong performance as rock god Stacee Jaxx, saw him strut around the stage with that expected rockstar arrogance which he had down to a tee.

When it came to comedy, it was Franz, played wonderfully by Iain Davidson, who gave the audience a chuckle with his longing to open a confectionery store.

We don’t want to give any spoilers, but Franz and campaigner Regina’s (Roslyn Fricker) performance of Hit Me With Your Best Shot, had us in stitches.

David Young as club owner Dennis Dupree was excellent. The duet with Lonny was hilarious and a real highlight.

Special mention must also go to Kirsty Meikle as Justice Charlier – what incredible vocals; Hannah Sanderson as the German ‘baddie’ Hertz and Jamie Monteith as record producer Ja’keith Gill.

The anthemic soundtrack truly makes this show and the whole cast ensured that there was high energy throughout. The choreography by Aleisha McColl was fun and slick, the band led by Crawford Moyes were incredible and every member of the cast on stage looked as if they were having a ball.

This was a fun and entertaining production from director Calum Campbell, and one the whole team should be proud of.

Falkirk Bohemians’ Rock of Ages runs at Grangemouth Town Hall until Saturday, October 31.

Tickets are available from https://www.ticketsource.com/falkirk-bohos

Cast: Drew – Alex Wheeler; Sherrie – Hannah Parsons; Lonny – Ross Melville; Dennis – David Young; Stacee Jaxx – Andrew Mcateer; Justice – Kirsty Meikle; Regina – Roz Fricker; Hertz – Hannah Sanderson; Franz – Iain Davidson; Mayor – Colin Fawkes; Constance – Laura Stewart; Ja’keith Gill – Jamie Monteith; Joey Primo – Kimberley Black; Waitress #1 – Rebecca Harding; Father – Darren Wilson; Mother – Leigh Ann Struthers.

Ensemble – Victoria Birkmyre, Kimberley Black, Stephanie Campbell, Emma Christie, Emma Davidson, Sam Dolan, Colin Fawkes, Gillian Gilchrist, Emma Gilmour, Claire Hamilton, Jennifer Harbison, Rebecca Harding, Marianne Heron, Gemma McDonald, Jamie Monteith, Laura Stewart, Leigh Ann Struthers, Kerry Watts, Eddie Webster, Darren Wilson.