Big dreams, bigger hair and blazing riffs as Rock of Ages comes to Kenilworth
By James Smith 4th Jun 2026
The Talisman Theatre is turning the volume up to eleven this summer as it presents the smash-hit musical Rock of Ages from Monday 22 to Saturday 27 June, with performances each evening at 7.30pm.
Rock of Ages arrives at the Talisman Theatre in a riot of 80s rock, featuring the book by Chris D'Arienzo and arrangements and orchestrations by Ethan Popp.
Known for its acclaimed plays and dramas, the Talisman only stages a large-scale musical every few years, making this high-energy production a special event for audiences and theatre members alike.
Set on Los Angeles' legendary Sunset Strip in 1987, Rock of Ages transports audiences back to a world of big dreams, big hair and even bigger guitar riffs.
On the legendary Sunset Strip, aspiring rocker Drew and small-town dreamer Sherrie are pursuing their Hollywood dreams and navigating a whirlwind romance. Meanwhile, the beloved Bourbon Room is under threat from developers determined to bulldoze the iconic venue and replace it with a strip mall, setting the stage for a battle to keep rock 'n' roll alive.
Packed with iconic rock anthems, outrageous characters, huge laughs and a heartfelt love story, the show has become a worldwide phenomenon since its Broadway debut in 2009.
Director James Harris said: "Rock of Ages is both parody and tribute – joyfully sending up the decade while celebrating the music, optimism and rebellious spirit that made it unforgettable.
"Beneath the big laughs and even bigger guitar solos lies a genuine affection for a time when rock stars ruled the world, MTV still played music videos, and every emotional crisis could apparently be solved with a power ballad and a wind machine."

The production brings together a company of nineteen performers, combining familiar Talisman faces with several performers appearing with the company for the first time.
Leading the cast are Harry Bowser as aspiring rocker Drew and Phoebe Dann as small-town dreamer Sherrie.
They are joined by Daniel Gough as fan-favourite narrator Lonny, Phil Spencer as Bourbon Room owner Dennis Dupree, Sam Harris as activist Regina Koontz, Sally Jolliffe as Justice Charlier and Ben Ionoff as rock superstar Stacee Jaxx.
Adding to the authentic concert atmosphere is a live five-piece rock band, led by local singer-songwriter Daniel Barrie in his role as Musical Director, bringing the show's electrifying score to life each night.
Joining the creative team is Vocal Director Hannah Dodd, whose work with the cast has helped create the powerful vocal sound audiences can expect from this larger-than-life production. Choreography is by Amanda Wright and Leigh Hall.
Bringing the Sunset Strip to life is an extensive creative and technical team who have transformed the Talisman stage into a full-blown 1980s rock venue.
James Harris added: "This production promises to be loud, bright, energetic and entirely unashamed of itself. Expect face-melting rock anthems, larger-than-life characters, huge laughs and an evening that should leave you grinning like you've just won a backstage pass to a rock concert in 1987."
Whether you're reliving the decade or discovering its music for the first time, Rock of Ages is a feel-good celebration of friendship, ambition, love and the enduring power of rock 'n' roll.
So fasten your seatbelts, throw up your devil horns and prepare to be rocked.
Rock of Ages runs from Monday 22 to Saturday 27 June at 7.30pm at the Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth. Tickets are available now from the Talisman Theatre Box Office.
Book now at on the website or via the Box Office on 01926 856548.
The Talisman Theatre sponsors Kenilworth Nub News.
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