THIS was the best production we have seen put on by Harlow Amateur Theatre Society. There. That’s the review done.

The quality of the acting, dancing and most of all, singing was superb.

When director, Jody Randall told us they were planning to put on Rock of Ages in the main theatre , we did have our reservations. Was the jump from the intimate studio theatre to the main theatre too big a leap?

The answer was clearly no! They absolutely nailed this. The story is a bit of a cliche as country girl comes to Los Angeles and finds a club on the brink of closure due to greedy developers. Girls finds boy etc. We were never a fan of the poodle haired music from the eighties but you didn’t have to be.

We have to start with the two leads. Will Jansen and Morgan Robertson were outstanding. They owned the stage and they put everything into every song. They made songs such as Waiting For A Girl Like You their own.

At one point, as Will Jansen sang his heart out, the audience rose as one to applaud him.

The use of a live band and a band on stage was a masterstroke. This was a tight unit, who performed song after song after song. Well done to Musical Director, Deborah King and her team.

There is no hiding place on a big stage but every cast member rose to the occasion.

If there was glue, then it was Mitchell Walsh as the narrator Lonny Barnett. He was scene stealing at every turn but he had charm, presence and character to carry it off and take the audience with him.

And if we are talking of cameos and scene stealers then a shout out to Joe Acraman for his wonderfully out there Franz Klineman.

With such a large cast, it is difficult to mention everyone. The rock stars such as Harry Gyngell as Stacey Jaxx and James Kenneth as Dennis Dupree just simply rocked it. Cara Bentley as Justice Charlier was another who blew away the audience when she sang.

There are also performers such as Kevin Smith, who are so important to an ensemble such as this. And then when he sings you are reminded of what a talent he is.

But more than anything, HATS made full use of the theatre. Some theatre groups go on the big stage and look diminished and slope off back to the studios. Not HATS. Whether it was the superb sets or the use of the walk ways in the theatre, this felt like a West End experience.

The choreography was also outstanding. But then again, you look at the CVs of many of the dancers. Rich in talent and experience.

We also have to appreciate that everyone here has full time jobs and lives. The amount of dedication and commitment needed is astounding.

The list of creatives is too long to mention but you all did a fabulous job. Special mention to the two hair stylists as well (they were sitting next to us..)

This is a triumph for HATS, who took a real gamble here. It was worth it. Jody and the team clearly understand how to get a team to work for you and to believe in you. No wonder they ended with a suitable finale in Don’t Stop Believin’.

We don’t give out five star reviews like sweeties. There are times we have left all of Harlow’s theatre venues and have had to have a long think before we put pen to paper.

Well done to Rory and the team at Harlow Playhouse for backing HATS here.

We heartily recommend.

Five Stars ******

Rock of Ages continues to Saturday. Click below for more details.

https://playhouseharlow.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873646065