School of Rock

This was a York Light Youth Production. It occurs to me that a visit to a school followed by the need to write a report likens me to an Ofsted inspector, and so……..

Safeguarding: At the outset it must be said that the action of the Principal, Rosalie Mullins, in appointing an impostor even as a temporary replacement for an absent teacher without undertaking appropriate checks leaves much to be desired. On the other hand, the show’s plot revolves around the results of this and leads to something of a re-discovery of her true self whilst his teaching has a profound effect on pupils and their parents (see later).  Emma Louise Dickinson made an excellent impression in the job.

Teaching:  Only the work of the music department was inspected and, although the teacher’s methods were rather unusual, the results were spectacular.  The class’s musical knowledge, previously restricted to a few classical pieces was quickly extended to a more modern genre, at which some of the pupils undoubtedly excelled. Ollie Lee and Bella Smith (guitars), Sam Brophy (keyboard) and Finley Walters (percussion) all impressed with their performances as Zack, Katie, Lawrence and Freddie respectively.    Iris Wragg found a good voice as the previously shy Tomika and Olivia Swales became a strong leader as Summer. But none of this would have been possible without the enthusiasm of their inexperienced and somewhat unorthodox teacher, Dewey Finn.  Previously sacked from a job in a rock band, he saw it as his vocation to ensure that his pupils might share his great passion.  Jonny Holbek (who will surely never suffer that fate from any musical group) was superb in this role, seldom off stage and ebullient on it.  He handled this tour de force with apparent ease. The success to which he led his team in the battle of the bands was well deserved, as was his promotion to the position of music coach at the school, although the existing band already provided great support to those involved.      

Governance: The Director, Sue Hawksworth, is new to her role at the school but has considerable experience as assistant with the parent company’s productions.  She is to be highly commended on her work with both adult members, appearing as parents and/or teachers and with the youngsters who were new to her.  All appear to have worked well together to produce an excellent finished product. 

Technical support:  An area not always covered by an inspection such as this, I cannot overlook the hard work of the stage crew in dealing with so many changes as the show seems to contain so many differing scenes. Attention to detail was apparent throughout, even to the extent of replacement of the notices when the board on which they were pinned changed from classroom to staff room. Lighting was effective, as were school uniforms etc.

Life outside school: again an area not always mentioned but important here as it was the need to support flatmates with their finances that motivated Dewey to deceive the school by taking the job. Flynn Coultous made a sympathetic friend as Ned Schneebly, to whom this work should really have gone and earned supportive applause when he finally stood up to his otherwise rather domineering girlfriend, Patty.  I am sure Georgia Foster had to draw on all her acting talents to appear so convincing in this role. 

What’s it like to attend this school?:  A very pleasant experience at a venue which is a great asset for amateur theatre in the area.

Overall judgement:  The Principal’s apparent dereliction of her duty would often colour my judgement but, in view of the overall result, I am prepared to overlook this and to consider this an outstanding performance. Nevertheless, I hope to re-visit next year to check on progress. 

                 

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