School of Rock

I do marvel at the breadth of productions that are performed in this small and intimate theatre.  This one, is no exception.  Especially as the whole cast were young people and many of them had not performed on stage before.

Will Maskell played Dewey Finn, the rebellious teacher with great style and enthusiasm.  He produced a great character and his energy throughout the show was full on.  It is just a shame that much of his performance appeared to be done with his eyes closed!  When he did open his eyes, they were a startling blue and lit up his face, making such a difference to his performance.

Rosie Lawther-Pratt played headmistress Rosalie Mullins beautifully, her characterisation was perfect, and she delivered her solo Where Did The Rock Go, with great confidence and beautifully balanced vocals.  I could watch her all day!

The other members of the cast were good, with some lovely characterisations, particularly from Edie Miles, (Summer) Evan Nichols (Zack) Megan Crunkhurn (Katie) Peighton Gamboa (Tomika) Finn Clynes (Freddie) and Abbie Lawther-Pratt (Lauren).  It is difficult for me to mention everyone, much as I would like to, but this report would be much too long if I did.  All the cast worked hard to produce good performances and with the audience so close, it must have been quite daunting, for some of them, so well done.

I do appreciate that this is a very small stage, but it was a shame that Freddie, the drummer, was tucked away in the back corner of the stage and hidden by the 2 excellent backing singers, Danielle and Holly.  And later, on the other side of the stage they blocked our view of Tomika and another small performer.  It might have been better to put them on the apron to the side of the stage.  Then we could appreciate their performance and those that were hidden.  It is always good for the Director to check sightlines from all parts of the auditorium.

Scenery was, of necessity, simple but moved well by the crew.  Costumes were modern day and appropriate and lights were well designed and worked well.  No mics needed in this small theatre but one or two of the cast could have projected a bit more.

I always find this show uplifting and this production was no exception and as I drove home, they played Where Did the Rock Go on the radio and I happily sang along.

My thanks to the Front of House team who looked after me well.

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