The songs, outrageous costumes, flashing lights and jokes all come thick and fast in this tongue-in-cheek jukebox musical of classic rock.
And so do the crotch-thrusts, led by the brilliant narrator Lucas Rush who has springs in his heels and a winning, knowing smile. He talks to and involves the Sunderland audience from the start - oh, Lisa, I hope you enjoyed your night!
This is definitely not a show for kids and some 14-year-olds (the age limit) might find it a bit much too. Bottoms are bared and there are raunchy dances and goings on all night.
But for anyone who lived through the 1980s Rock of Ages brings it all back - legwarmers, headbands, shoulder-pads and big hair - and that's just the men!
A string of big hits are wrangled into the slightly peculiar plot which pokes fun at musicals generally as well as the 80s rock genre. And some audience members couldn't resist humming along.
Songs include Slade's Cum on Feel the Noize, Starship's We Built this City, David Lee Roth's Just Like Living in Paradise, Twisted Sister's I Wanna Rock, Foreigner's Waiting for a Girl Like You, Whitesnake's Here I Go Again, plus much more.
I loved - and fans of Glee will agree - the finale rendition of Journey's Don't Stop Believin' in particular. Do be aware that some songs crop up in odd scenarios - a drunken German dad mumbling REO Speedwagon, for example.
This dad, and his son, appear early on and made me cringe with their accidental goosestepping and the like. That was very much part of the 80s - what with 'Allo, 'Allo! and Dad's Army reruns, but seems well, out of step these days. However, the whole show is so tongue-in-cheek and almost panto-like that they are probably just trying to poke fun at those who used to poke fun.
The songs are sung by members of the cast, sometimes sharing sections of the lyrics and accompanied by a live band who are on stage throughout.
And so - what of Kevin Clifton? He has been hitting the headlines for his relationship with his winning dance partner Stacey Dooley, but it is Stacee Jaxx he'd no doubt prefer to be talked about.
Kev is brilliant as Stacee - with a strong voice and his dance expertise making a big impression. He uses every inch of his body to play the part, right down to his expressive hands which "mesmerised" my companion.
Like the other characters, he is a totally OTT creation, and, like the other actors, seemed to revel in the most ridiculous scenarios.
Amid many great voices - such as Rhiannon Chesterman and Jodie Steele - the North East's very own Zoe Birkett stood out. The Consett-born Pop Idol winner, who also triumphed at the Empire in The Bodyguard ( opening this week in Newcastle ) has an incredible voice and was a real presence as Justice, the boss of a Sunset Strip gentleman's club.
Adam Strong - who plays the mayor and promoter, among other roles - is also delighted to be back home in the North East.
Last but certainly not least, in the role played by Alec Baldwin in the Rock of Ages movie, comes Kevin Kennedy, who has had a long theatrical CV since leaving Coronation Street and the role of Curly Watts. And yes, he can certainly sing - after all, his first band was with Johnny Marr of The Smiths and he was later signed by Simon Cowell.
The 15-strong cast and a hard-working lighting man and band make this a really fun night out, once you get into the swing of it!
Rock of Ages is at the Sunderland Empire until Saturday, July 27. Tickets www.atgtickets.com/sunderlandempire
