School of Rock

“School of Rock” does feature an all-star team of creatives. For starters, the script is written by Julian Fellowes, the fellow who created Downton Abbey and then immediately exchanged Harris Tweeds for all that is rock and roll. In case that doesn’t get you excited enough, the music is composed by the grand old doyen of musical theatre on both sides of the Atlantic, Andrew Lloyd Webber and rests safe in the hands of Quarry Bank Musical Theatre Society under the direction of Mike James, Musical Direction by Chris Passey and Choreography by Attiye Passey and an amazing Technical Team. If you then add in an enthusiastic mix of adults and children and an excited an anticipatory audience, you can feel that you are in for a great night’s entertainment. 

The principle of the plot is simple ‘Dewey Finn’, played with masterly timing, comedic flair and an amazing singing voice by Carl Cook, is a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a totally against type, guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. In the process of moving his young prodigies what it means to truly rock, ‘Dewey’ falls for the school’s beautiful, but uptight headmistress ‘Rosalie Mullins’, played to perfection by Sarah Coussens, helping her rediscover the wild child within.

The sheer enjoyment though is the music and songs under the guidance of Musical Director, Chris Passey, each one takes the audience in a different and exciting direction – highlights include ‘Dewey’ and the Band‘s “You’re in the Band”, thoroughly enjoyed by the audience, ‘Rosalie’s’ amazing “Queen of the Night” and “Time to Play” from Daisy May Sandel’s ‘Summer’ and the Students and the adults singing “Dewey’s Confession”.  And as for the students, what can I say?  Just amazing, the energy and sheer delight that they were obviously enjoying came over the footlights in exuberant waves. All are truly deserving, limelight stealing mention – Finley Hassall as ‘Zac’ – with an amazing voice, Connie Davies as ‘Tomeka’, Adam Porter as ‘Freddie’, Kersten Davies as’ Katie’, Maria Riga as ‘Lauren’ and Daisy May Sandel as ‘Summer’ who all demonstrated incredible musical dexterity as well as well as tremendous characterisation and acting talent.
Some great support from a great ensemble cast but loved Bryany Palmer and Tom Robinson as ‘Patty’ and ‘Ned’ and their on-off relationship and Jett Richards as nerdy ‘Mason’ with great comic talent. It was a joy to see so many people on stage all having a great time and giving their all.

“School of Rock”, at the end of the day, is a feel-good musical for the entire family and Quarry Bank Musical Theatre Society served up a treat, there were a few sound issues, especially where, by definition, the rock music drowned out some of the singers, but this did nothing to dent the enjoyment of a highly appreciative audience.

Thank you to everyone for their hospitality, it was a great night, very gratefully appreciated.

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