BATS bring down the house with Rock of Ages at the Haymarket.
The Haymarket Theatre in Basingstoke was rocking on Wednesday night as the award-winning BATS (Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society) launched their high-voltage production of Rock of Ages, and what a show it was.
The 1980s jukebox musical, packed with classic rock anthems and outrageous energy, delivered an unforgettable opening night that had the audience singing, clapping, and cheering to the very end.
Set on LA’s legendary Sunset Strip, Rock of Ages tells the story of aspiring rocker Drew Boley and small-town girl Sherrie Christian, whose dreams and romance collide in a world of denim, leather, and big hair.
As they fight to save their beloved rock club from demolition at the hands of money-hungry developers, they’re joined by a host of wild and wonderful characters – all backed by a soundtrack of iconic hits like We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Wanted Dead or Alive, and I Want to Know What Love Is.
Bradleigh Hall gives a strong, heartfelt performance as Drew, striking just the right balance between awkward charm and powerhouse vocals.
He’s perfectly paired with Chloe Ballard as Sherrie, whose stage presence and emotional range made her journey from naïve newcomer to seasoned survivor compelling throughout.
A special mention must go to Richard Bond as Dennis Dupree, the grizzled club owner with a secret soft side, and Paul Morris as the hilarious narrator Lonny Barnett, whose comedic timing and cheeky asides had the audience in stitches.
Craig Saunders brought swagger and sleaze in equal measure to the role of washed-up rock god Stacee Jaxx, while Ian Moseley was perfectly cast as the uptight German businessman Hertz Klinemann.
Laura Burrell as Justice Charlier also stood out. She had a commanding stage presence and pitch-perfect timing. Burrell was a natural on stage, bringing depth and charisma to every scene she appeared in.
Under the confident direction and choreography of Angus Jacobs and with musical direction by Colin Gray, this production fizzes with energy and flair.
The ensemble cast work incredibly hard, and their passion for performance shines through every scene. From the neon-lit sets to the pulsating choreography, BATS delivers a production that rivals professional tours for sheer entertainment value.
Kiran Sajan
Basingstoke Gazette