Theatre News

Rock of Ages rocks out of West End on 2 Nov

The 1980s jukebox musical has confirmed it will close at the West End’s Garrick Theatre later this year

Rock of Ages will close at the West End’s Garrick Theatre on 2 November 2013, it has been confirmed.

A tweet from the show’s official Twitter account said: “Lighters at the ready as Rock of Ages will rock for the last time at the Garrick Theatre on Nov 2nd. Thanks for all the #roadie love.”

The cast were reportedly told the news last night (5 August 2013).

The 1980s jukebox musical opened at the West End’s Shaftesbury Theatre in September 2011, transferring to the Garrick in January this year.

A press release announcing Rock of Ages ‘s closure states the show will be “embarking on a UK national tour” after the West End.

Set on Los Angeles’ infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, Rock of Ages tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit, and Sherrie, a small-town girl, both in LA to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love.

Rock of Ages features hit songs like “Don’t Stop Believin'”, “We Built This City”, “The Final Countdown”, “Here I Go Again” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling”.

The musical, which has a book by Chris D’Arienzo, premiered in LA in 2006. It opened Off-Broadway in October 2008, before transferring to Broadway’s Brooks Atkinston Theater in April 2009 and, subsequently, the Helen Hayes Theater.

Last year it was made into a film starring Tom Cruise, Russell Brand, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Alec Baldwin.

The current West End cast features Tim Howar, Ross Hunter, Daniel Fletcher, Natalie Andreou, Rohan Tickell, Rachel McFarlane, Jodie Jacobs and WhatsOnStage Award nominee Simon Lipkin.