FROM the moment we walked through the door we knew we were in for a party.

Ushers - dressed in glitter, colourful wigs and Bowie t-shirts – danced us to our seats, the stage was kitted out with its own rock band and bar, and the music was in full swing.

Rock of Ages, which ended a long run on Broadway last year, centres around the lives that pass through the legendary Bourbon Room, a rock venue that has fallen on hard times thanks to the city’s redevelopment plans.

The musical is known for its nostalgic 80s anthems and witty one-liners, so to see it being undertaken, and undertaken so brilliantly, by youth theatre group Young Venture Players was a surprise.

Young Declan Joyce, who played narrator Lonny, provided many of show’s laughs and his performance, that even included a bit of improvisation and audience interaction, was extraordinary in an actor as young as 15.

Another stand out was Mia Gregory, playing protestor Regina, whose energy was infectious and really got the audience behind her.

With strong vocal performances from leading duo, Joe Whittington and Ruby Davies, the show had everyone on their feet and had me asking ‘when is the next Young Venture Players performance and where can I get my ticket?’

Millie Reeves