School of Rock

I must confess before I start my review, that before I attended this production last night, I had very little idea what I was actually coming to see! I had a vague thought that in the original publicity, the show was about schoolchildren and a schoolteacher who was also a rock musician!  Well, nearly right, but I was re-educated by this amazing production from LIDOS!

Based on a movie of the same name, this show ticks all the boxes for the modern young person - who would believe that a Lord of the realm, Andrew Lloyd Webber and the equally lordly Julian Fellowes, of Downton Abbey fame, would let their hair down and release the inner rock personas that make up this vibrant show - but they did it well!!

Directed by the oh-so-talented Anita Adams and equally, Robert Massa Sanders as Musical Director, this production was bound to be a massive hit - joyous from begining to end!

The basic story is of one Dewey Finn, played with manic but precise enthusiasm by James Sidgwick - who belongs to a rock band called 'No Vacancy' - the rest of his band mates ditch him as a no-hoper (lively vocals here from Debra Werner) - and he is out of a competition called 'Battle of the Bands'. He needs to pay rent to his best friend and former rock buddy, now supply teacher, Ned Schneebly (played by James Pegg to perfection), who is bullied by his overbearing girl-friend, Patty Di Morco (a scary but brilliant Amy Lodge!) Dewey somehow manages to grab a job offer made to Ned and poses as a substitute teacher at the prestigious private school, Horace Grange Prep, turning up in a complete mess and confronting the frosty Head, Rosalie Mullins (played by the ever-versatile Sophie Massa Sanders, with some brilliant vocalising!) as you would expect, Dewey/Ned is totally useless as a teacher, but realises his students are very good musicians - so, you've guessed it, teaches them rock and roll - not what the parents pay enormous fees for! He involves the whole class in various roles - and this is where your breath is taken away when the children start  playing instruments, become backing singers, roadies, security, stylist and techies. The talent of these young people is immeasurable - and so to be admired - I was so impressed at the way they kept up their characterisations, American accents and energy levels from beginning to end - I could see that a great deal of time had been given to them by Anita, Robert and the choreographic talents of Emma Tempest and Donna Wells - always excellent. I have to mention Millie Rose Crossley as Summer, who delivered some fabulous dialogue in such a mature way, trying to persuade Dewey/Ned to be a 'proper' teacher - most amusing - also, Livia Sparkes as Katy, whose bass guitar was nearly as big as she was!  Robyn Gaunt as Tomika gave a scintillating redition of Amazing Grace - the shy wallflower blossoming was a real treat and Ben McNally as Zack showed a real tallent as lead guitarist - wow!  Billy Sampson as Freddie, Tobias Adams Mead as Laurence and Jasper Adams Mead as Billy (loved the costumes!) all played their parts extremely well.

Other equally talented young cast were - Ava Barkakoti, Emilia Booth, Oliver Brook, Andrew Clay, Darcy O'Hagan, Vivi Man, Lacey Newby and Chloe Roberts  (who played a young Rosalie in flashback) - all, well done!

The adult additional cast may have felt second fiddle to these talented youngsters, but I can assure you, they were brilliant in their interpretation of rock performers, teachers and parents. They also moved the sets around in a well-rehearsed manner (and kept in character!!) well done to you all! 

Out of view, but so important, were the creative team, headed by Dan Dainter as Stage Manager, with Mark Smith as Assistant - Set Design (fabulous) by Matt Stirk and Anita Adams; Lighting Design; Dan Dainter; Lighting Operator, Gary Loughrey; Sound Design, Chris Beardwell; Sound 2; Ian Thomson; Props; Kyle Walker, Set Construction; Matt Stirk, Paul Myers, Dan Dainter, Mark Smith, Gary Loughrey and Dan Turton - a lot of hard work and effort went into the remarlable set. Costume Co-ordination was a team effort as well; Shirley Hoyland, Tracy Booth, Lynne Folkard, Linda Forsey and Elaine Jackson. Without all these volunteers, amateur theatre would not be able to continue and I personally thank them for all their efforts.

The unseen but glorious band, made up of Robert himself as MD and Keys #1, Jonathan Mitra; Keys #2, Drums; Florin Werner, Bass; Oliver Hamilton, Guitar #1 Tom Houghton, Guitar #2 Albie Baxter and Guitar #3; Tom Mawson – you all needed a special round of applause!

And so to continue the story.....Dewey/Ned decided to enter his 'School of Rock' band into 'The Battle of the Bands' competition - they secretly rehearse but his plans are nearly foiled by the unmasking of Dewey as an imposter - however, they entered the competition and sadly, don't win - but that doesn't matter, because they have all sorted out their problems, the parents are so pleased with their tallented off-spring, Miss Mullins offers Dewey a job as music teacher - Patty and Ned get their rent paid by Dewey and it all ends with the predictable rock finale - absolutely amazing!

This was a wonderful evening's entertainment - I congratulate you all on a really memorable production - and keep rocking!!!

 

 

 

 

 

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