Kevin Clifton on growing up in Grimsby as he returns to hometown for Rock of Ages
The show is much more raucous ... I get away with a lot more than I would in the
Strictly ballroom Kevin Clifton
STRICTLY’S Kevin Clifton is back in his hometown of Grimsby as he takes to the stage at Grimsby Auditorium for Rock of Ages.
The show will be rocking in Grimsby for one week only, from now until Saturday, December 4.
Kevin Clifton thrilled audiences as Stacee Jaxx on the 2018/2019 Rock of Ages UK tour and is excited to be back, reprising the role in 2021.
Best known for being a professional dancer on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing, the Grimsby-born performer has appeared in a number of other theatre productions, including The Wedding Singer and Singin’ in the Rain.
Speaking to your Grimsby Telegraph, Kevin said: “Every time I get to go back to Grimsby Auditorium, it’s a really special experience for me because growing up, I did a lot of dance shows there.
“This is my final week of the show. When I was asked if I wanted to continue doing Rock of Ages until the end of the year, I looked at the schedule and saw that the last dates for 2021 were in Grimsby and I thought ‘well, that’s my decision made’.”
Kevin was born and raised in Grimsby and owes much of his success to his family and his local roots.
He said: “I grew up at Clifton Academy, my mum and dad’s dance school, and the shows that we would do every year at Grimsby Auditorium were my first experiences of being on stage.
“Dancing has always been a part of my life, for as far back as I can remember.
“At the time, everyone just accepted that it was part of my life and dancing was just something I did.
“I think a lot of people thought ‘oh, Kev just does this dancing thing’, but it wasn’t until I did Strictly Come Dancing that a lot of my mates really understood what I was doing.”
Speaking about how Rock of Ages compares to the ballroom, Kevin said: “It’s a much different experience to performing on Strictly.
“The show is much more raucous and with me playing a rock star, I get away with a lot more than I would in the Strictly ballroom.”
Kevin continued: “It’s been amazing to see everyone flocking back to theatres. Seeing full crowds again has been fantastic.
“Because we haven’t been allowed in theatres, everyone just seems happy to be there and it makes for an incredible experience for both the cast and the audience.”
He said as a show, Rock of Ages is one of the best nights out there is.
He said: “There’s a load of rock music from the 80s like Bon Jovi and Journey and all those kinds of bands. It’s very much a comedy, with awesome vocals and awesome music.
“The show can get quite naughty. It’s raucous and rowdy and just a crazy sort of rock and roll night out!”
And Kevin has this message for the people of Grimsby: “Just come and see it! Don’t worry about coming to the theatre, we’ve had amazing audiences and everyone has been having a great time.
“It’s not just your average show, it really is an incredible night out!
“It’s my last week, performing in my hometown and I know that the entire cast are going to really go for it!”
To book tickets for Rock of Ages at the Grimsby Auditorium visit grimsbyauditorium.org.uk