Godiva Rocks - Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

The cast of Godiva Rocks. Credit: Robert Day

This brand new musical is written and directed by the same team that gave us One Night In November (the smash-hit about the Coventry Blitz) Alan Pollock and Hamish Glen.

Set in 80’s Coventry, we follow the story of developer Leo Freeman and his family. Not everyone is as keen on his developments of The Orchid Ballroom and soon his daughter gets involved with the protesters, one of whom, Patrick, is in search of the truth. The Orchid Ballroom has a history with events in the 60’s causing repercussions on the characters in the musical.

The show is studded with 22 songs, ranging in style, that were written in Coventry. Included with a dual purpose, these songs not only move the story along, they serve to depict the 60’s in the Orchid Ballroom.

Presenting two eras at various points could be a problem, but this was solved by basing the majority of the 60’s in the Ballroom behind a gauze. The design also reflected the eras with ease, especially the costumes and the lack of use of modern lighting technology.

Every performance was heartfelt and delivered with conviction. The stylised dances were particularly impressive. There were powerful vocal performances from Alexia McIntosh as Rosa and Georgie Ashford playing Nell.
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With local references that bring this story into the hearts of the Coventry audience, if you want to relive a piece of Coventry’s musical history this is the show for you.