School of Rock
Information
- Date
- 1st February 2023
- Society
- Big Bad Wolf Children's Theatre Company
- Venue
- Falkirk Town Hall
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Lindsay Jenkins
- Musical Director
- Jonathan Graham
- Choreographer
- Emma Connolly
This UK Amateur Premiere did not disappoint. In fact it was a tour de force. The not wholly partisan audience was blown away by the talent displayed by this wonderful young group. Held together by, and totalling revolving around the leading role of Dewey Finn the mad for rock good for nothing, Lochlan Black entered fully into the character with mannerisms, stance, body language and dynamic singing, modelled on Jack Black of the film. At the start, he presented this self-centred idler who sponged off his friends. To make some money, he took a teaching job under an assumed name at the private Horace Green School and started to undermine the ethos of the school with his laissez-faire attitude until he found that his enthusiasm for rock could be channelled into training his pupils in the genre and motivating them to be in the band and entering The Battle of the Bands. Lochlan excelled himself in this role. Up against him was the head teacher Rosalie Mullins. Lauren Gardner successfully portrayed the disciplined and respected leader focussed on ensuring her pupils achieve their best though hard pressed by demanding parents. Lauren balanced this side of her persona with the softer and emotional one revealed movingly in the bar scene. Her beautiful voice soared, dipped and swooped in Where Did The Rock Go? As Dewey’s friend and fellow rock enthusiast Ned Schneebly, Ryan Carlyle made his mark as a loveable Dewey disciple but he too matured and found his voice. Bethany Spowart played his partner Patti Di Marco in a feisty, practical interpretation and helped him see through the difficult Dewey. The younger ones also showed their talents. Katie Walker as the sceptical pupil Summer Hathaway was won over. Her audition for singing failed but she morphed into a wonderful organising manager whose timing, delivery and facial expressions were impressive for her years. Whether delivering her lines or moving and singing with the rest, she was mesmerising. Her fellow pupils for the band all had their strengths: Findlay Currie playing Zak the boy trying to get his father to appreciate his talent; Blair Hamilton who was the classical geek transported into rock; Oli Peattie Hume as Freddy on the drums: Morna Brown as Katie on the guitar; Chloe Robertson as Billy the designer; and then Eva Melville unfolding the character of Tamika, the shy girl who blossomed into a confident singer. What a voice,- moving in a hymn and electric in rock. Meanwhile the chorus of pupils impressed from their opening school song where their diction and articulation were extraordinary and later their attacking, high powered Stick It To The Man resounded. Older youngsters acted as parents, No Vacancy the rock bandrocked, the dancers engaged and the other ensembles all contributed to the show’s success. Whatever their role, each exuded their commitment and talent. With well over 70 young folk filling the stage, the choreography was concise, apt and well managed. The scenery of school, classroom, lounge bar and theatre- all, including the desks, made by parents and helpers- set the backdrop for the action including extended side stages for home scenes. The costume ladies did a sterling job with the school uniforms, rock attire and quick changes. The music, though unfamiliar, caught on and stimulated, never missing a beat despite the musicians being located upstairs in the Studio, and carried the show forward. By the end, everyone was excited by and appreciative of the professionalism and dynamism they witnessed. Due tribute has to be made to the production officials and committee. This cast truly brought the house down and made a memorable conclusion to amateur musicals in Falkirk Town Hall. Congratulations to all.
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