The rehearsal period of a show, I think, is just as exciting as the show itself. At the side of an echoey hall, people run lines and their choreography, while others bring a story and characters to life in the centre.
Getting to witness a rehearsal feels like getting to watch the magic come together, a peek behind the curtain before it goes up; I got to watch BATS (Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society) prepare for their run of Rock of Ages starting on the 14th May, and it doesn’t seem they are far off being show ready!
Note – due to the content of the show, this production has an age rating advisory of 14+.
If you’re unfamiliar with Rock of Ages, don’t be put off; the stage show is based on the 2013 film of the same name, but it seems largely agreed that the stage show is actually superior to the movie! Similarly, the musical can be watched and enjoyed with no prior knowledge, and despite the use of the word Rock in the title, this is not just a show for rock fans. This is a show for fans of 80s music, power ballads, or anyone just looking for a hilarious and entertaining night out.
When it comes to Rock of Ages, BATS have understood exactly what this show is and seems to be gearing up to deliver; there are strong vocals, badass choreography, big characters, big hair, big hits, big energy, and ever-building anticipation. Given BATS’ history of putting on many a wonderful and joyous musical, it should come as no surprise that Rock Of Ages is shaping up to follow that same pattern.
Rock Of Ages is the least serious show imaginable, and had me cackling in the rehearsal alone, so I can only imagine how enjoyable the finished show will be! And isn’t that what everyone needs right now, something just a bit silly and lighthearted, with some killer tunes? With songs such as ‘We Built This City’, ‘Here I Go Again’, ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’, ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ and ‘Don’t Stop Believing’, to name just a few, this show is jam packed with songs everyone knows and loves, all woven together in a story that has a lot of heart, but is equally brilliantly comical. You’d be hard pressed not to leave with your toes tapping, a song stuck in your head and a smile on your face.
Whilst the rehearsals unfold, the energy is palpable; the excitement at being a part of bringing a show to life, the occasional elements of chaos as things are still being adjusted and amended before the show is finalised, and the imagination having to fill in gaps where there’s not yet any props, costume set, costume or lighting. Yet this is all part of the fun – seeing something in progress and knowing that when it all comes together in the end, all the hard work will be worth it. It feels like a reminder that theatre is its own form of magic.
The end of rehearsal left me excited to see the show again in the theatre, and that can only be a good sign. I honestly can’t wait to head to the theatre next week and see the finished show. I will be sharing my thoughts soon after, but if the rehearsal is anything to go by, audiences are in for a real treat. So, get booking your tickets and get your air guitars ready – BATS has a rockin’ show ready for you!
If you needed any more convincing, if you book for Thursday 15th May, all tickets are just £22; this offer is only until MIDNIGHT TODAY, so you’d better be speedy!
Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society’s Rock Of Ages runs at Basingstoke’s Haymarket Theatre from Wednesday 14th May until Saturday 17th May.
You can buy tickets here: https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/events/bats-rock-of-ages
You can find out more about BATS here: https://www.bats.net/
One Show at a Time 
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