School of Rock

First of all I would like to thank the committee for the invite to see this production – a new show to me – and to see this very talented group of young people, who have so much stamina it’s untrue.

The show follows Dewey Finn, a failed rock star, who, after being chased for the rent by his flat mate, decides to pose as him and go as a supply teacher at a school where he turns the students in his class into a rock band, ready to compete in ‘The Battle of the Bands’ competition.

For this show to succeed you need a strong lead, as they are hardly ever off the stage and Script Youth found this is Harry Robbins, who gave a commanding and outstanding performance as Dewey.  Evie Rice also gave a good performance as head teacher, Rosaline Mullins.  These two worked well together and Evie’s aria form ‘The Magic Flute’ was a standout piece.  I also enjoyed the performances of Finlay Laidlaw as Ned Schneebly and Erin Mooney as Patty.  Some good comedy moments.

There are too many other cast members to mention individually but everyone worked well together and you could tell that in their performances.  Some brilliant singing and nice harmonies. 

I cannot go any further without mentioning the school band.  All equally good as each other and it was good to hear them play their own instruments on stage, backed up by Chris Corcoran and his band.

Costumes were great, even down to the front of house staff wearing school uniforms.  The set was effective and ideal for the Highbury stage.

The production team, led by director Louise Farmer, should be proud of the show and I know that the sell out audience felt the same.

 

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