Advertisement

School of Rock

Based on the iconic film of the same name, the worldwide hit musical School of Rock came bursting onto the Norwich Theatre Royal stage with an almighty gusto.

The show focuses on the rock-star wannabe Dewey Finn (the role made famous by Jack Black in the original film) who is cast out by his bandmates, leaving him struggling to pay his best friend Ned (and his girlfriend Patti) the rent money he owes. In a bid to resolve this issue, he finds himself posing as a substitute music teacher at an elite prep school, teaching his newfound students about the rock gods he idolises and transforming them into his own superstar rock band.

Little does he know, that along the way he falls for the uptight Headmistress Ms Mullins, as he helps to remind her of her youth and inspires a generation of kids by helping them accept who they are and letting their talent shine through. But is it all enough to win the battle of the bands and approval from the children’s parents?

Advertisement
nine below zero

The show is bursting at the seams with energy, laughs, heart and rock’n’roll. I had seen the show in the West End before, but it was really wonderful to see that the standard remains just as high for the touring production.

Jake Sharp leads as Dewey Finn, and I take my hat off to the man for the stamina needed for this role – boy is it a meaty part! He embodies everything you would expect from Dewey Finn, and wins everyone over with his chaotic charm.

Supporting cast includes Rebecca Lock as Ms Mullins, the uptight and strong willed headmistress with an adorable charm – and she packs a punch with her rip-roaring vocals. Her solo number “Where Did The Rock Go” is one of my favourite numbers in the show, and I’m sure you could have heard a pin drop the way she held the audience’s attention. Matthew Roland plays the hilarious dorky Ned Schneebly, who is under the thumb of his girlfriend Patti, up until he has an expected character breakthrough.

And of course the children are each stars in their own right, playing the instruments live each night and being mind-blowingly brilliant! An adult ensemble also support and add some great comedic moments.

The music is penned by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and he has cleverly interwoven rock variations in his style with a very fresh, modern and witty score. Many of the songs are anthemic, with catchy chants and hooks to them. There’s a lot of inspiration pulled from the film too, which is nice because that is what the people know and love about the piece, and is why it has such a cult following, so it’s great to see it come to life on stage.

Overall, it’s the perfect family night out – packed with talent, energy, belly laughs, emotion and fun. It remains on top form, and is certainly one worth watching as there’s something for everyone.

Our listings of shows at Norwich Theatre Royal can be found here.


 

register online
sign in
faq

Advertisement
dr feelgood

editors picks
Grapevine Magazine