School of Rock

Well where to start! Once again, RTSA have absolutely ‘rocked’ it out of the park with their latest offering, School of Rock. Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the show follows the story of Dewey Finn, a rock star turned imposter teacher at the prestigious prep school, Horace Green. 
Mrs Showbiz herself, Dee Bennie - Marshall, has created yet again another masterpiece. The show had some creative and original choreography that you expect when you come to see a Dee Bennie- Marshall production. Dee never expects anything less than perfection in her productions and it shows in abundance in this particular RTSA spectacular. In a show all about music, the band is so important, and I have to say that the band in this production is probably the best I’ve heard at any performance at the civic. Conducted by the most talented man I know, Matthew Symonds, the sound coming from the Pitt was amazing. I felt like I was at a genuine rock concert. Matt had also worked hard with the cast, as the harmonies were a joy to listen too. 
Sam Simmons, as Dewey Finn was excellent. Sam had so much to learn, but his character, accent and singing voice never faulted. His relationship with the children was an absolute joy to watch and it came across to the audience that the younger members of the academy absolutely adore him. A great role model for the younger cast members. Sam also played the guitar live in all his numbers, a massive ask, but one which he responded too magnificently.  Emily Bolton as headmistress Rosalie, was wonderful. Her singing was a joy to listen too, and you couldn’t help but feel for her during her song in Act 2, Where did the rock go?  Tom Skinner and Chloe Hind as Ned and Patti respectively, both gave fine performances, with Chloe’s voice being a particular highlight. 
What was nice about this RTSA show was that it gave the younger members of the academy the chance to be in the limelight. Chester Williams was adorable as Lawrence, the geeky student who wasn’t cool enough to be in the band. The role of Tomika was played by Grace Potts, making her debut with RTSA. Grace has a power house of a voice which certainly made all the audience sit up and ‘listen’. Special mention must go to Pennie Fox, who not only played the role of Freddy extremely well, but also played the drums live on stage. Alfie Houghton proved yet again that he is a star of the future with his portrayal of Zach. However, the performance of the night, for me, came from Chloe Robertson as Summer. Chloe displayed talents way above her years and was mesmerising every time she was on stage. I will remember this performance and her name, as I’m sure in a few years I will be saying, I remember when Chloe was in School of Rock. A fantastic individual performance. 
All the cast were fantastic and the review doesn’t give me enough room to say all that would like too about this show. However, I must mention the great costumes by Kath Wall and the great work by the stage crew, managed by Matt Roberts. there were many scene changes in this show, but Matt and his team managed them all with ease. 
Well done RTSA, you well and truly stuck it to the man!  

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