EMMA DUNN chats to the star of the musical Rock of Ages

BEN Richards is making every day count.

The actor, who has starred in Footballers Wives, Holby City and The Bill, is in remission after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2012.

He has made a full recovery after surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but said the experience changed his outlook on life.

“Every day is a blessing as far as I’m concerned,” said the Bowel Cancer UK patron.

“When you’re going through treatment, you’re dealing with the question of if you’re going to come through it. When you get out and you’re still around you are just so grateful. I don’t take things for granted.”

The 42-year-old is making the most of his health by performing in touring musical, Rock of Ages, which comes to the New Theatre Oxford from October 21 to October 25.

The award-winning smash hit Broadway musical, which comes direct from the West End, is an LA love story.

It’s lavished with more than 25 classic rock anthems, including Don’t Stop Believing, We Built This City and The Final Countdown.

And for Ben, who has previously starred in numerous West End shows and UK tours, getting out on stage as rock god Stacee Jaxx is a great feeling.

“There is nothing like the buzz of going out there to a live audience. It’s really exciting,” he said.

“Rock of Ages is a classic boy meets girl story with a rock and roll twist. Stacee Jaxx is your archetypal rock star and he thinks the whole world revolves around him.”

Ben described the song list as fantastic and said Wanted Dead or Alive and I Want to Know What Love Is are his favourites.

“I used to listen to this stuff with my mates.

“Who would have thought that many years later I would be performing them in theatres?

“There are so many great songs, it’s hit after hit,” he said.

Ben’s previous theatre credits include Sky Masterton in Guys and Dolls (West End and UK tour), Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever (West End and UK tour), and Jerry Lukowski in The Full Monty (West End). Rock of Ages, which also stars former Hear’Say singer Noel Sullivan, promises to be a night to remember.

“If you’re looking for a show like Phantom of the Opera, don’t come to Rock of Ages. We’re the opposite of that.

“It’s a massive rock and roll party. It’s a show that will make you laugh and encourage you to clap, sing and laugh along. If at the end of the show you’re not up and dancing and enjoying the show, you haven’t got a pulse.”

 Tickets to see Rock of Ages are from £12.90 to £41.40. Visit the New Theatre box office in George Street in Oxford, call 0844 871 3020 or visit www.atgtickets.com/oxford (phone and internet bookings subject to booking/transaction fee).