School of Rock

School of Rock a musical performed by Waterloo and Crosby Theatre Company on Saturday 15th July, 2023 at Merchant Taylor’s School, Liverpool Road, Crosby.

We are told on many occasions and in no uncertain terms throughout this musical to... “STICK IT TO THE MAN” and there’s little or no doubt that Waterloo and Crosby MTC did just that!  Based on the iconic 2003 film starring Jack Black as the effervescent Dewey Finn, ‘School of Rock’ is a fun, uplifting rock musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater from a book by Julian Fellowes. The story is of a failed wannabe rockstar ‘Dewey Finn’ who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as his friend, Ned Schneebly after Ned is offered a post as a substitute teacher at the very affluent Horace Green Prep School.  Dewey realising that his class of ‘straight-a-students’ are also incredibly talented musicians, he turns them into guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band whilst teaching these pint-sized prodigies the true meaning of rock!  Oh, ‘be warned’ of the romantic thread running through this story involving Dewey and a very uptight head teacher!

Production Team …  Nicci Henshaw (Director), Wendy Tucker (Musical Director) and Sarah Henchskelt (Choreographer) were the ones chosen to ‘rock’ their way through the mayhem that is ’School of Rock’… and they should be really proud and pleased with what they helped achieved!  Cast and chorus were in unison - which is no mean feat in a production that exudes so much organised chaos… plus there was little or no doubt from the smiles, energy, enthusiasm, effort that emanated from that stage, that the cast and all those assisting were all having the time of the lives!  If audience reaction is a gauge for the success of any production, then the applause, the hoot and holla’s that were evident throughout and during the ‘energy driven finale’ then there was little or no doubt that this production was a huge success… Congrats you three on a job well done!   

The Cast… and what a cast we had… as previously stated “from the smiles, energy, enthusiasm and effort’ that emanated from that stage” this was a well-chosen, well-rehearsed cast, who really did ‘rock’!  As most will know, this is where I ‘stick the old neck out’ and start selecting MY ‘Showstealer’ and my favourite characters, but with thirty-four on stage, all of whom, gave us their all… once again, I find myself with a difficult decision!  But never one to ‘sit on the fence’…. ‘Showstealer’ was between three… two individuals… Rob Poston our lead ‘Dewey Finn’, Amy Power, the uptight Head-Teacher ‘Rosalie Mullins’ and thirdly, the youngsters who made up the ‘Band and their Entourage’… on Drums… ‘Freddie Hamilton’ played by Jemima Hargreaves, Lead Guitarist… ‘Zak Mooneyham’ played by Joseph Ramsay, Keyboards…‘Lawrence Turner’ played by Zak Douras, Bass Guitarist … ‘Katie Travis’ played by Mel Cousins, Band-Manager… ‘Summer Hathaway’ played by Olivia Jones, Lead Singer… ‘Tomika Spencer-Williams’ played by Olivia Williams and last, but certainly not least, our Band Stylist… ‘Billy Sandford played by Jonah Hargreaves …. ‘Showstealer’ was a wafer-thin decision, but I’ve plumped for Amy Power… OMG what a performance!  Amy just oozed stage presence… confident, assured,her characterisation of the uptight head teacher was terrific. There were scenes where she was able to show us the vulnerable side of ‘Rosalie’ which were heart-warming... but what tipped it Amy’s way was when she sang “Where Did the Rock Go” in the ‘Roadhouse’ …honestly, goose bumps…  it could have been the saddest song ever written... loved it, be proud Amy!   Rob gave us an inspired performance as ‘Dewey Finn’ and as I say… a wafer-thin decision!  Rob really did ‘rock’ this roll… tremendous stage presence, great characterisation, ‘rocked’ the many songs he sang… be ever so proud Rob.  Then we had the kids… what can I say… honestly you guys, individually great as a team awesome! Instruments were played for real … songs were ‘rocked out’… haven’t got the space to individualise too much… but can I just say… ‘Jemima’ ... the drum playing was insane!  ‘Olivia Jones’, you owned that part!  ‘Olivia Williams’… loved ‘Amazing Grace’ beautiful voice!  ‘Jonah’ … amazing portrayal!  ‘Joseph, Zak, Mel’ loved, loved loved the guitar/keyboard playing, amazing!   Will Martin, took on the role of ‘Ned Schneebly’ roommate and best friend to ‘Dewey’, musician, bit of a pushover who lives with ‘Patty’ played Sarah Henchskelt the domineering, manipulative girlfriend who ‘dobs’ Dewey into the authorities… well done you two be ever so proud!  Helen McLoughlin took on the role of Mrs Shienkopf – School Teacher. ‘Kids’ Ensemble’ included Emily Wall, Georgie Wilson, Alice Dearden, Heidi Saunders, Jessica Dearden, Daniel Housley, Ellis Hayton, Grace Pearce, Grace Jackson, Chloe Todd and Isabel Todd. Parents/Teachers (Adult Ensemble): Matthew Hargreaves, Andrew McLeod, Ian Robinson, Jason Sinclair, Jai Edwards, Joanne Dorrity, Gemma Keith, Rosie Shields, Pat Howard, Jennifer Hargreaves and last but not least Alice Melling!

The Orchestra… led with purpose by Wendy Tucker (MD and Keys1) … Mark Newberry (Keys2), Ben Knowles (Bass), Arnar Petur Stefansson (Guitar1), Dominic Riverol (Guitar2), Jack O’Hanlon (Guitar3) and Neil Middleton (Drums)… well done folks, great sound, accompanied cast really well.

Staging/Set/Tech… the staging was minimal but, as always, effective… every inch of stage space was used to its full potential… I personally congratulated Colin Wilson (Stage Manager) and his Back Stage Crew at the end of the show for their efforts and diligence in dealing with the twenty-one scene changes that this show through up! Invariably when films, TV shows or TV series are adapted for stage, they always appear to throw up…  small scenes with many scene changes!  So, with twenty-one changes to deal and not a massive amount of space to either work in or with… this was always going to be a challenge… a challenge that was met head on by Colin and his team!  Scene changes usually mean pesky ‘blackout’ … which can and do cause issues and slow production down, but Colin and his team worked hard to cope with this task… the ‘blackouts’ did slow the production down a little… but you could see the ‘teamwork’ the ‘coordination’ from all the staff … each change was like a ‘military operation’ making those ‘blackout’ as short as possible… so congrats to Colin and his team be proud folks!

Sound/Lighting … SSDJ Events UK provided the sound… we did have a few minor microphone issues, nothing that affected the overall performance. Lighting was under the watchful eye of Nathaniel Sinclair… again simple but effective.  If I could be ever so ‘picky’… the two sets of lights brought on for the finale (On aluminium stands) … did cause me and many other sat around me with issues. The ‘light’ emitted from that type of lighting is very intense and for me and people like me who suffer with serious eye conditions, we can and do struggle to cope with that type of high intensity lighting… personally, I didn’t think they added a great deal to the scene… especially, when everyone was on stage, they were more of less totally masked anyway. (Just for information, not a criticism) and I hope I haven’t offended by mentioning it, never my intension!    

Costume Design/Creation … under the guidance of Louise Dearden and Nicci Henshaw… the costumes were perfect for the production and enhanced the show ever so much… well done you two for pulling together an effective wardrobe.

Chaperones/Matrons… I never close a review where young people have been involved without ‘praising the people’ who give to make sure that young people are safe whilst being on stage… ‘Chaperones/Matrons’ call them what you will… but congrats to Louise Dearden their Co-ordinator and to all the unnamed people that volunteered for these roles…  young people are the future of Amateur Theatre, without you… the future wouldn’t be bright… Congrats!

Finally, thanks everyone at Waterloo and Crosby Theatre Company for inviting both Susan and I … as always, it’s a real privilege and pleasure to spend the day with you!  Thank you so much for your hospitality throughout and for allowing me to speak with both casts after the performance.  We thoroughly enjoyed the show and we’re already looking forward to seeing you all again soon… hope the panto auditions and rehearsals go well… see you soon!

Stay safe and keep well

Jim Briscoe
NODA North West
District 6 Rep

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