Rooms: A Rock Romance

European Premiere
Music, Book and Lyrics by Paul Scott Goodman.
Book by Miriam Gordon.
23 April – 18 May 2013
Finborough Theatre

She longs to see every room in the world… He longs to stay in his…

ROOMS – A Rock Romance begins in late 1970’s Glasgow at the very height of punk rock, where Monica, an ambitious Jewish singer-songwriter meets Ian, a reclusive rocker. As the pair become quickly entangled – both creatively and romantically – their music together hurtles them from the dingy clubs of Scotland to the glitz of London and ultimately to New York City…

Featuring an astonishing score by award-winning composer Paul Scott Goodman and performed by a live rock band, ROOMS – A Rock Romance is both a thrilling musical journey and a poignant unconventional love story about two young artists, whose love for each other deepens whilst their desires tear them apart.

From the Authors

“Andrew is blessed with intellect, insight, humour and intelligence which, like a priest with eager flock, he puts to excellent use while practicing and perfecting his particular craft. In other words he’s cool. Paul Scott Goodman (Composer Bright Lights Big City, Rooms: A Rock Romance, Alive In The World)

Andrew Keates nominated for Best Director and Cassidy Janson for Best Actress 2014.

“Good intentions do not guarantee good results. Somehow Andrew Keates turns works of merit into evenings of entertainment. Don’t call him a dramaturge, call him an alchemist.” Paul Gambaccini (Broadcaster, DJ and Author)

“Director Andrew Keates has delivered a production as close to perfect as you’d probably ever get…Yet another triumph for the Finborough”
Gareth James Culture Blog

it packs an emotional punch that we certainly didn’t expect. If you like your musical theatre raw, honest and moving then we highly recommend Rooms. It’s definitely a contender for one of the best musicals we’ve seen so far in 2013.”
★★★★★ Pip Elwood, Entertainment Focus

“The music is rocking, the cast is terrific…Go, enjoy, rock out.”
Heather Deacon, One Stop Arts

“the performers can be proud of their wholly entertaining efforts”
★★★★★ Emma Cooper, The Upcoming

“Cassidy Janson, as the ambitious Jewish rock-star-in-waiting Monica P. Miller and Alexis Gerred, as the borderline hermit guitarist Ian Wallace, are both excellent….Janson’s vocals are outstanding, showing both significant rock chops and a sweeter tone in the surprisingly touching interlude provided by “Happiness”.”
★★★★ Emma Watkins, WhatsOnStage

“Director Andrew Keates has crammed this fizzing tale of music, alcoholism, punk rock, escapism and the price of success into the Finborough Theatre, and the energy that Gerred and Janson pour out feels barely contained by the small space.”
★★★★ Anna Jones, Whats Peen Seen

“The Finborough surprises again.”
Mark Shenton, The Stage

“The Finborough never fails to surprise…this time there’s a full band, and very good they are, too.”
Lyn Gardner, The Guardian

“The Finborough is little more than a room itself but the powerhouse performances that ignite the stage from Alexis Gerred and Cassidy Janson transport the audience to a venue far bigger and spacious, the spell of this magical space deftly cast by the creative genius of Andrew Keates”
★★★★ Petra Schofield, Remote Goat

“A solid two-hander show with fantastic songs, a tight live band and fearless performances by its two leads. In the intimate surroundings of the Finborough Theatre the show feels special like it’s a well-kept secret”
★★★★★ Pip Elwood, Entertainment Focus

“Writers Paul Scott Goodman and Miriam Gordon were in the audience, it is hard to imagine they will have seen a more layered production than is offered by Andrew Keates who squeezes every last emotion and nuance from the score and his stellar cast”
★★★★ Petra Schofield, Remote Goat

“Cassidy Janson is irresistibly charming as feisty and ambitious Monica, whipping the show along with her high-octane vocals and the energy of her performance, cut through suddenly by moments of vulnerability.”
★★★★ Lucy Thackray, The Public Reviews

“Paul Scott Goodman and Miriam Gordon’s book is wittier, Goodman’s music meatier and Andrew Keates’s staging neater than many a new piece of musical theatre recently seen in the West End.”
M. F. Jones, Exeunt Magazine

“Rooms is a simple joy but it really is a joy; it wouldn’t surprise me if it becomes the latest Finborough show to get a transfer.”
Nick, Partially Obstructed View

“A punchy contemporary rock score that has its own particular individuality…reminiscent of the work of Jonathan Larson and Jason Robert Brown.”
Mark Shenton, The Stage

“A cracking live gig…the two vocalists could be actual rock-stars…Supported by a tight, grooving band, they fill this particular room at the Finborough with…sheer belting force.”
M. F. Jones, Exeunt Magazine

“Well directed, well designed, very well performed and incredibly enjoyable. It would be a shame if this didn’t have a life beyond the Finborough.”
Tom Norman, Bargain Theatreland

“Groundbreaking…I have never seen such an electrifying show in such a tiny theatre.”
Andrew Tomlins, West End Frame

“I have to say that, going in, I feared a rock band would blow the walls off the little Finborough but such was not the case – the sound levels are perfect – mainly because the score is so much more than “rock”.  Goodman is a sophisticated and original composer able to write memorable tunes in all genres, as needed.”
Mallardo, WhatsOnStage

“Paul Scott Goodman’s score is mind-blowing.”
Andrew Tomlins, West End Frame

“It is safe to say Alexis Gerred and Cassidy Janson blow the roof of the Finborough Theatre with their exceptional vocal talents. They both give superb portrayals of their characters’ journeys. I was particularly impressed by Cassidy’s performance, she had me in stitches during the funnier scenes and then she really pulled at my heart strings during the more tender moments of the piece.”
Andrew Tomlins, West End Frame

“Cassidy Janson gave a high voltage performance as Monica P. Miller, at times exploding across the stage, at other times appearing sensitive and vulnerable.”
Carolin Kopplin, UK Theatre Network