With bookings extended to next year, School of Rock is a must for young groups and rock music-lovers. Tim Farr reviews the rocking new musical
If you’ve seen the film version of School of Rock, you’ll be forgiven for thinking the musical is just about the fabulous rock soundtrack and snappy one-liners from a Jack Black lookalike.
Yes, the Lloyd Webber score is a punchy, catchy replacement for the famous rock soundscape from its movie counterpart.
Yes, the part of Dewey Finn was excellently and hilariously played by Gary Trainor, spewing out high notes and comedy dialog very near the knuckle for a supposed teacher.
But this show is all about the kids!
The ultra-talented child cast has sell-out crowds at the New London Theatre roaring, stamping and chanting night after night.
Three sets of 13 young people take it in turns to play the class of private schoolchildren who get to the final of the Battle of the Bands, thanks to their “teacher” Dewey.
These 11-13-year-olds not only act and sing their socks off, but play their instruments live on stage to a faultless standard.
The show will work well for young audiences and anyone with rock in their heart. Perhaps less so for a coachload of older viewers.
- For more information and to book, visit schoolofrockthemusical.com
