Do you wanna rock? Good news ladies and gentlemen – Largs Academy is bringing you the chance! The Final Countdown is on; time is ticking away towards the coolest show to ever hit Largs: Rock of Ages: High School edition at Barrfields Theatre.
Prepare to be transported back to the 80s – you know, that decade? But don’t be looking out your neons just yet! The cast are preparing to engage you in some serious cool – leather jackets and ripped jeans are in, big hair is a must. Written by Chris D’Arienzo, the jukebox musical crosses some of the hottest rock tunes of the 80s with a story of love, dreams and – of course – the potential for it all to be shattered.
The school have focused on emotionally-charged shows recently, selling out their runs of Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and West Side Story. This year, though, it was time for a change. “We needed something a little more light-hearted this year,” explains producer Emma Newton. “Our successes have been great but we want to show the diversity that our talented pupils can achieve.”
This year’s cast are also a very different line-up, following the exodus of 20 pupils last year. The cast is headed by S6 pupil, and school show debutant Finlay Morrow, who has taken on the role of iconic narrator and Sound God Lonny Barnett. “I’ve never been in the school show before. I heard about Rock of Ages and immediately knew I wanted to be in it. The show is fun, different and – of course – rocktastic!”
Finlay is joined by show veteran Genna Allan as romantic heroine Sherrie Christian. Genna has been in every Largs Academy Barrfields show, providing a strong addition to the ensembles of Les Mis and Phantom, before taking on the role of Consuela in West Side Story. Genna has also performed at Largs Live, as part of band “Rome’s Ruins” and is no stranger to performance as she sits her Advanced Highers in Drama and Music this May. Genna feels a resonance with her character and told us “Sherrie is ambitious and willing to sacrifice a lot in order to pursue her dreams. I respect that about her.”
Fellow cast member – Ross Maiden, S5 – who is taking on his first principal role as Drew Boley, romantic hero and rock star wannabe – shared his thoughts on the show’s music. “I already enjoyed listening to 80s rock music before we started rehearsing, and it is a great opportunity to get to perform the work of Bryan Adams and Whitesnake.”
And if that doesn’t whet your appetite, maybe it’s about time you were introduced to Stacee Jaxx, rock legend. This mammoth character is taken on by S5 pupil Finlay Quinn, who had is principal debut as Snowboy in West Side Story. Bringing Stacee to life is a challenge that the young actor has risen to as he brings depth and shade to the character. “Playing Stacee has given me the opportunity to have a bit of fun, but also to learn a lot about acting as Stacee is a complex character, who is both vulnerable and a little dark.”
The show will also star some other familiar faces: S4 pupil Addison Mann, perhaps better known to you as Lt Schrank in West Side Story, takes on role of Lonny’s best friend and mentor, Bourbon Rooms owner Dennis Dupree. Aiden Phillips who played Reyer in Phantom and Baby John in West Side will portray comic character Franz. Leading ladies include Star Penders, S5 as Hilda, nemesis of the strip and S3 pupils Sophie Cotton and Rhionna Inwood as Justice and Anita respectively.
We caught up with Musical Director Craig Smith, for whom Rock of Ages will be his 19th Largs Academy show. “We’ve been lucky to be graced with some lovely rock voices in the senior school this year. Our S3-S6 pupils have really embraced the return to the 80s and – as every year – have risen to the challenge. The show always provides an opportunity for interdisciplinary work and staff from across the school have been working hard on this, along with the professionals we bring in to give pupils the professional experience to match their talents and hard work.”
It is clear that Rock of Ages is a not to be missed. We are reliably informed that tickets are now on sale, and available from ticketsource.co.uk/largsacademy
