School of Rock

School of Rock the Musical is an high-energy, feel-good stage adaptation of the 2003 film, featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.  It follows failed rocker Dewey Finn, who poses as a substitute teacher at a strict preparatory school, transforming his young pupils into a rock band for a Battle of the Bands competition.  However, the school isn’t necessarily supportive of ‘off-curriculum’ activity and the parents are keen to ensure their children receive a strong academic education – leaving little time for music outside of the timetabled lessons.  Dewey Finn seeks to address this and gives his class the opportunity to express themselves and think wider than just the regular teaching structure they have experienced in the past. 

A defining feature of this show is that the child performers play their instruments live on stage and in this production all delivered impressive performances. The show should be praised for its talented young cast, who all brought both musical expertise and strong acting to their roles.   ‘The Band’ is made up of Seth Cairns as Zack Mooneyham who plays guitar, Ethan Rich as Freddie Hamilton who plays drums, Tilly Collis, playing Katie Travis (bass guitar) and Sammy Duroe as Lawrence Dooley playing keyboard.  There is no doubt that any teacher walking into a class with so many talented musicians of such a young age would be thrilled at the prospects this offers and Dewey Finn was no exception to that!

Some of the youth roles were split – which offered an increased number of young people to opportunity to hit the stage.  Ellesmere MTC should be commended for extending that opportunity and also for the work  that is required to bring two teams to the very high standard which could be witnessed at the Montgomery this week.  Team Jack performed on Friday night and what an absolute powerhouse of talent they were.  Alexandra, Jasper, Ayda, Maisie, Angus, Blossom, Theia, Evie-Rose, Sophie and Rowan – you were amazing and I am confidently assured that the cast of Team Black were equally as good.  The role of Summer Hathaway was played in Team Jack by Francesca Hinde and she was a formidable talent on stage – confident delivery of lines and songs.   Summer led the opening of Act 2 ‘Time to Play’ with huge stage presence.  Likewise Malika  Dian’e who played Tomika for Team Jack had a wonderful voice and used her excellent vocals to great effect in ‘Amazing Grace’.  Such strong work by the whole team who were convincing as classmates at Horace Green Prep School, but also showed their passion to participate in the Battle of the Bands and the individual characters they created.

Philip Smith saw Team Black perform and offered the following comments on their performances. “The part of Summer Hathaway was performed by Raeya Sharpe. This part requires a strength of character, an ability to be in charge and make that clear to the others, along with great stage presence. Raeya you fulfilled all those requirements along with the quite brilliant delivery of the opening of Act 2 number’ Time to Play’.  Tomika performed for Team Black by Rachel Durbin, the silent one or maybe not. What a controlled performance and then bursting into the real Tomika with your delivery initially of ‘Amazing Grace’ and then the poignant words of ‘If Only You Would Listen’.  Well done. The rest of Team Black performed to the highest order throughout. Lovely characterization, great singing, disciplined choreography clearly rehearsed. My congratulations to Ivy, Dillon, Bethany, Jemima, Jasper, Henry, Hatty, Faith, Sophie and Cecily you should all be thrilled with your excellent performances.”

The adults in the cast were also incredibly strong with the ensemble taking on the roles of Parents and Teachers at Horace Green as well as some other supporting roles – which they all did with huge enthusiasm.  Horace Green Headteacher, Rosalie Mullins, was played by Jessica Brandad and she brought a real energy to the role switching from prim, strict teacher to something of a wild child when Dewey encourages her to let her hair down. Mullins was confident and controlled as the teacher with an entertaining alter-ego.  Danny Hawley (Dewey’s flatmate and long-suffering friend) brought his comedic talent to the role of Ned Schneebly.  Some wonderful hilarious moments from Hawley who never fails to impress.  The duet by Ned & Dewey, ‘Children of Rock’, was fantastic.  Hawley’s character never slipped and his interactions with his demanding and overbearing girlfriend Patty Di Marco were another high point.  Di Marco was played by Danni Hibbert who totally embraced the role and was most terrifying – even from our viewpoint in the balcony.

And Jacob Boulton as Dewey Finn….what can be said?  Amazing, barely off stage, always on the go and bringing a huge energy to the role.  Despite the flaws in his character (not paying debts, sponging off friends, not really committing to a job, stealing his friend’s identity and posing as a teacher) the audience couldn’t fail to love Boulton’s portrayal of this character.  Songs were full of passion and drive and it was impossible to not be impressed.  Interactions with the school children were touching and he brought real empathy to the role.   A fantastic performance.

The set was swiftly moved by the cast to keep the demanding pace required by this show.  Sound was well managed by Paul Minott, with 34 mics along with on stage and orchestra musicians, well done - what a challenge.  The visual results from the brilliance of TD lighting along with projections which were very creative.   Their utilisation worked really well in allowing the stage to be open throughout the production, but also ensuring that the audience knew exactly where the action was taking place.  Set and props were all spot on and spaces and rooms were deftly created to move from place to place with ease.  Costumes were exceptional and looked perfect for the production, well done to the Costume Design and Planning Team. 

The seven piece band, under the direction of Gareth Lloyd, sounded fantastic, which is important in a show about music!   Singing was to the high standard you can expect from Ellesmere who can boast strong voices in both lead characters and ensemble.  Movement and dance were fabulous with some intricate and creative movement around the stage by the children.  Credit to choreographer, Kat Burton, for pulling this off with such a big cast. 

The show serves as a fun family show with an uplifting message about the power of music to empower young people and sincere congratulations to Adam Walker (Director) and all the team at Ellesmere Musical Theatre Company for getting this message across.  ‘A feel good’ musical is an understatement – the audience left feeling amazing!

Jo Sykes,

District 13 representative and Youth Co-ordinator,

NODA North East

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