School Of Rock the Musical

I’m still buzzing after seeing The School Of Rock last night at New Theatre Royal. What a fabulous production and sensational show.  It was lovely to meet the adult cast after the show and tell them that I thought their production was better than the professional show I had seen in London a few years ago.  Amateur theatre at its very best. Well done to all involved and especially director David Taylor for creating a wonderful show, with an uplifting message.

To start with the band, Kev Richardson, (MD) Owen Tyas (AMD), James Fox, Ashley Squires, Niall Hunt, Jamie Nowell, and John Joe Gaskin, who were all fabulous.  The smashing pace and the full-bodied rock sound kept the show swinging from start to finish.

The uber-talented young performers at CAODS took to the stage to belt out a tremendous sound with this production. The School of Rock - The Musical, based on the 2003 film and turned into a theatrical production with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and a book by Julian Fellowes, was exemplary.  The story is of an overly enthusiastic guitarist Dewey Finn (Billy Baxter) who gets thrown out of his band and finds himself in desperate need of work. Rocker Dewey poses as his roommate Ned Schneebly as a substitute teacher at an elite private elementary school, he exposes his students to the hard rock gods he idolises and emulates, much to the consternation of the uptight principal Ms. Mullins (Helen Evans). As he gets his privileged and precocious charges in touch with their inner rock 'n' roll animals, he imagines redemption at a local Battle of the Bands.

With the unforgettable Jack Black taking the starring role in the movie, Billy Baxter had huge shoes to fill as Dewey Finn. But he effortlessly commanded the stage, and the entire show, with his easy, relaxed confidence. I feel centre stage is clearly right where he's meant to be. Superb acting skills and a fantastic voice to boot. Helen Evans was equally brilliant as principal Rosalie Mullins, with a quiet authority and kooky charm.  She had wonderful power to her singing voice, excellent diction, and characterisation.

But really, it's all about the children in this show. And what incredible children they are. Everyone boasting bundles of energy, unrivaled confidence, and impressive vocals. Olivia Crowther as Summer belted out her solo effortlessly. But the performance of the night goes to Isla Dodson as Tomika, who stunned the audience into silence with her unbelievably amazing voice.  Sam Bickmore plays the drums in every performance, what a talented young person, singing, acting, great characterisation, and a very skilled rock drummer. Louie Stow gave a very moving portrayal of Zack which had me in tears, and the charming Lucas Crawford da Conceicao played the fussy Billy with style, and had many comic moments which the audience appreciated. There were 2 teams of children, I saw team Guns who along with the above were Fraya Capes, Rose Housley-Smith, Ella Fitsgerald, Maisie Noorpuri, Abbey Mitchell, Xander Neumann, and Elliott Cheetham who were all excellent. So much life and energy on stage, you made me want to join you. The prefects Connie Murphy, Ella Viscomi, Pippa Ramsay and Lyra Irikok were well cast.  All exceptional actors, dancers and smooth singing voices blended beautifully with the rest of the cast.

Matt Brian as Ned Schneebly and Emma Wighton as Patty Di Marco gave outstanding performances. Their quirky relationship and frustrations are the motivation for Dewey to set off on his journey.  Their impressive stagecraft and especially Emma’s singing voice were wonderful.

Other adults in the show all played their parts well with the added bonus of the director David Taylor taking the role of Gabe Brown as the original cast member had a fall after the 3rd performance. (Pete Hawbrook - I wish you a speedy recovery). I enjoyed the opening reminder to switch telephones off, an innovative way of keeping it within the show storyline. 

Other talented people involved with the production are Emma Wilson as Costume Manager, an excellent match with the film, this contemporary piece was Emma’s first as she usually costumes historical pieces.  Excellent work, assisted by Amy Magnone. Deanne Love - Choreographer, again very true to the original stage show, matching the high energy of the songs, with excellent stage skills and great dance moves. Well done. Other people without whom the show could not go on were the chaperones, front of house team, and staff at the theatre, thank you.

The stage crew were excellent, and the slick changing of scenes, under the stupendous music from the band, seemed effortless. DSM Mitchel Shepherd was kept busy with the many intricate elements of sound, light, and effects. Set, sound, and lighting design worked well and David Taylor, Ian J Marston, Joe Jackson, and Bradley Caldwell must be congratulated on producing a professional-looking show. The marketing and promotion were very good, such a shame I can’t put your (Year Book) programme into the NODA competition as you did not include the usual NODA wording.  I really think it could have won with all the elements you have put in it, including a quiz, local business promotion, lots of stunning photographs, cast write-ups and information about the original show as well as your own, (and Woody the therapy dog). Never mind, next time, don’t forget.

Just a wonderful night of entertainment, you deserve sell-out performances every night, you had us up on our feet applauding at the end, and rightly so.  It is easy to forget you are an amateur company and not one on tour from the West End.  What shines through is the professionalism, raw talent, and sheer passion and energy of every single cast member as they come together to Stick It to The Man. A+ All round.

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