‘Stick It To The Man!!’ -School Of Rock the Musical, New London Theatre, 02.11.2016

There were many rumours going around as to what show would be replacing WarHorse, and ShowBoat at the New London Theatre. One particular show was mentioned many times, and I am so happy they were true! School Of Rock The Musical was coming to London and boy did it deliver! I had purchased tickets in September and was lucky to have 3 lovely ladies agree to come with me, so on the first chilly day we’ve had. We headed to London to rock!

We took our seats in the New London Theatre, it was still during its previews so tickets are not to pricey but still we were on a budget so I opted for the circle Row B seats 15-18. Having been to this theatre before seeing War Horse I knew it is quite an intimate theatre, and with a warning of a restrictive view for the price of 13.50 we were happy! The first act I sat in seat 15 and yes it was restricted as you had the rail (as you can see in the photo – Right) in view which meant you needed to move to try and get a view of the stage but my friend kindly let me sit in number 18 (Photo Left) during Act two which was a lot better. I would recommend this seats if you are quite tall, or want to save some pennies but if I was to return (which I will) I would be looking more towards the middle than numbers 15.

School of Rock the Musical is the reflection of the hit motion picture starring Jack Black, The film it self was a massive hit, and it was Andrew Lloyd Webber who took the chance to turn it into a live production. Having opened in Broadway prior with great success, it was now time for London. It tells the story of Dewey a down on his luck, who just wants to rock, and play his guitar to the world. Forced to pay the rent by his best friends girlfriend Patty, he finds himself impersonating his best friend Ned Schneebly as a substitute teacher at a top academic school (run by strict principal Miss Mullins) But he also finds talent, that lives in the students of his class, and with it creates the Ultimate rock band, and also supports the students in becoming who they want to be, and speaking out for themselves.

Its a great story with amazing comic moments and the musical really represents it in an honourable way, keeping the classic moments of the film, but with the addition of a few new songs blended with the classics ‘The Legend of the Rent’ and ‘School of Rock’ which defiantly had us rocking in our seats. But along with those added songs there were also the back stories to the characters such as Miss Mullins in ‘Where did the Rock go’ and the students number ‘If Only You Would Listen’ it brought a new meaning to the story also that sometimes it is better to be who you want to be, than what others want you to be. You are who you are. I was a little nervous and confused when I heard it was Andrew Lloyd Webber who was producing this show, as we mainly know him from the classics, so School of Rock was something different for him, but I take my hat off to him as he definitely brought something new and great to the stage that everyone can love! Even putting in a little joke for himself in the show too (you will need to see it to understand)

Now onto the cast, where in this show you could say there were 2, the Adults, and the Children cast:

Adult Cast:

Dewey Finn – David Fynn

Rosalie Mullins – Florence Andrews

Ned Schneebly – Oliver Jackson

Patty de Marco – Preeya Kalidas

Gabe/Jeff/Billy’s Dad – Jonathan Bourne

Doug/Mr Spencer – Nadeem Crowe

Mrs Bingham – Michelle Francis

Mrs Hathaway – Rosanna Hyland

Mrs Turner – Cassandra McCowan

Stanley/Mr Williams – Joel Montague

Mr Mooneyham/Snake – Andy Rees

Theo – Cameron Sharp

Drummer/Police Officer – Andrew Spillett

Ms Sheinkopf – Lucy Vandi

Mr Wagner – Gary Trainor

Being that the show is still currently in its previews we were lucky to have the full cast performing and now understudies. Those in a main role I have not seen perform before but within the cast could pick names that I had seen before, Cameron Sharp, who returns to rock having performed in Rock of Ages at the Garrick and tour, now playing the lead singer of No Vacancy, suiting the role very well like second nature and Joel Montague who I saw as Eddie in Funny Girl this summer, was performing as Stanley although in a very different role still an amazing performance (also was lucky to catch him coming out of the stage door after and say so).

But what an amazing cast, couple Ned Schneebly, and Patty de Marco played by Oliver Jackson, and Preeya Kalidas worked well together, although their characters were completely different from the film, Ned seeming a little more geeky with the introduction of the inhaler, and Patty a bit more ditsy than that of Sarah Silverman sarcastic tone. Which in ways worked but other didn’t, but nevertheless it gave them a chance to create the role rather than a reflection of what we know, bringing something new.

Rosalie Mullins was played by Florence Andrews, was very much the role of high strung principal of Horace Green created by Joan Cusack in the film. You could see traits of Joan in Rosalie through her performance in Act one which were great, but also along side Ned and Patty in Act two she was able to creates someone new when she sings ‘Where Did the Rock Go’ you learn a lot about her, there was also the little addition of a love story brought forward between her and Dewey. It was a nice touch, but sometimes I feel that its now compulsory have a love story and although this one is small and brief, I felt that it was an unnecessary trait to the story that wasn’t needed. But Dewey played by David Finn was spot on! I’m not sure if its because they share the same name or because he is just that good. He had the comic timing, he had the voice, and he had the passion that Jack Black did in the film, it was like watching him on stage, and I loved watching him. You could tell the children loved performing with him, and also he loving performing with them. He does also have very tight calf muscles…you’ll understand when you see it.

Now the Children’s cast:

Shonelle – Amelia Poggenpoel

Katie – Lois Jenkins

James – Sonny Kirby

Marcy – Natasha Raphael

Mason – Ben Dawson

Tomika – Amma Ris

Freddy – Bailey Cassell

Zack – Toby Lee

Billy – Jobe Hart

Lawrence – Giles Carden

Summer – Isabelle Methven

Sophie – Lola Moxom

Matthew – Jacob Swann

I am not going to single out any one of these kids, because you just can’t, they are amazingly talented and for them to perform this on the nights they are on must be so much fun, that I am a little envious. We know from the start that the kids in the band play all their own instruments (Katie’s Bass was nearly as big as her), but along with this they can all act, sing and dance! The audience were constantly cheering and applauding them which they greatly deserve. They make School of Rock what it is, and have us rocking in our seats with every number they performed.

It was great to see the audience still smiling, and singing the songs when leaving the theatre, as were my friends and I. It is one for all, and I think its in the top running of becoming a new favourite, as I do want to go back again, as I’ve seen one out of the 3 children casts and I would love to see the others and their take on the iconic roles. But also you come away feeling happy, and I would love to relive that again! I also believe it is one for all, and would recommend taking your children with you, because it shows what you can do, and who you can be if you put your mind to it.

School of Rock is currently previewing, and opening officially on the 14th November 2017. For tickets I recommend going through their main website here.  Believe me you want me disappointed!

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