There couldn’t be a more topical time for rock & roll musical Rock of Ages to hit the stage in Oxford.

The brash jukebox show tells the story of a much-loved music venue faced with closure by money men intent on maximising profits.

Its arrival at the New Theatre comes a week after the city’s own beloved independent music venue The Cellar was forced to close – victim of a crippling rent hike – and as threats surface against another grassroots venue above The Wheatsheaf pub, off High Street.

That uncanny similarity was probably lost on the grinning crowd who packed the stalls for its opening night here. If it was, they weren’t letting it spoil the fun of a rambunctious moshpit of a musical.

The plot may be as flimsy as a Sunset Strip pole dancer’s undergarments, but this David and Goliath tale of rock and roll redemption in the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles is hugely enjoyable.

The show is unashamedly tacky, and boldly (and refreshingly) politically incorrect, but then it is set in the 80s metal scene.

Performances throughout are strong, the choreography tight, and the music – featuring anthems from Bon Jovi, Slade, Foreigner, Joan Jett, Poison, Europe and more – is rousing and well played.

The dancing is phenomenal – particularly from the unfeasibly well-toned star Jodie Steele as Sherrie and Strictly’s Kevin Clifton who is deliciously despicable as rock bad boy Stacee Jaxx.

At times it is laugh out loud funny, most giggles coming from Lucas Rush as Lonny – who breaks the fourth wall to share jokes with the audience and, most amusingly, to deconstruct the very premise of the show.

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It is raunchy too. At times it probably veers into dodgy territory – the depiction of the goose-stepping German property developer is a bit of a cringe and there were gulps and uncomfortable shuffles at a plot line involving statutory rape.

But it’s mostly just daft adult fun (it might not be the best show to bring young kids to).

If you’re a rock fan, 80s kid, or just want to sing, clap and laugh along to a silly, tongue-in-cheek, stone-washed, patchouli-scented rock & roll romp, you’ll love it.

Rock of Ages is at the New Theatre Oxford until Saturday. atgtickets.com

4/5