School of Rock Review

‘Release you inner Rock-God’ said the Director’s note. Well, I’m sure it is in there somewhere, I thought, but will this performance be enough to wake him up?

The energy and enthusiasm of the cast was infectious and from the opening hilarious scene, in which Ben Botham tells us that he is ‘too hot for you’, the performance grabbed the audience’s attention. In addition to the other members of the band ‘No Vacancy’, Ross Calvert and Jonas Flohr (and later Henry Tasker), we were introduced to Dewey Finn – played by Oliver Fogelin. On this role rests much of the show, as we follow his path to rock glory via a route that he himself might not have initially chosen. Oliver Fogelin convinced at all times, in both his elegant singing and focused acting, and he made his character’s relationships with the people around him entirely credible. This was an exceptional performance.

As Dewey is expelled from his band, we meet his flatmates Ned, a strong performance from Harry Marden, and his girlfriend Patty, a suitably spiky but well sung performance from Ruby Hall. From there the action moves to Horace Green, a private school where tradition and academic excellence have, perhaps, taken some of the fun out of learning. As Dewey, posing as Ned, builds relationships with the children in his class we saw uniformly stunning performances from the hugely energetic ensemble classroom cast. Ben Shine and Jack Thompson were superb as Freddy and Lawrence – on the drums and the piano respectively. Roscoe Davey acted up a storm as guitar wielding Zack. His sister, Freya Davey, was outstanding as Summer – perfectly playing the eager, confident (and slight know-all) school girl/band manager. Jackson Wilks was a splendid, sassy, comic turn as Billy. These scenes had massive energy and a huge sense of fun about them - especially in Stick it to the Man, in which special mention goes to Darcia Scott and Phoebe Batt for the vigour of their dancing.

The teachers of Horace Green were led by Matilda Shapland as Rosalie Mullins the Headmistress. This was another exceptional performance, both dramatically and vocally, which perfectly captured the conflict of the duty-bound Headteacher who still has music inside her. Her song, Where did all the rock go? was genuinely touching. She was strongly supported by her teaching staff who were suitably dignified and precise in the faculty quadrille. Notable among these were Holly Humberstone’s alcoholic Miss Sheinkoff and Mattie Wagstaff’s flatulent Gabe Brown.

The parents, despite being the same age as the school kids, looked imposing and were convincing in their portrayal of a group of people who think they know what is best for their children. The ensemble number If only you would listen, one of the big tunes of the show, was sensitively performed by Roscoe Davey, Mille Greenall (playing Tomika, also fabulous in the later reprise of this number), Jackson Wilks and Jack Thompson. Oscar Young, Hattie Bates, Amber Wakeland, Theo West and a hilarious Archie Hearth were excellent here too as the parents who won’t listen.

Credit must also go to the troupe of dancers who were highly professional, not to say athletic, throughout. Their presence perfectly complemented the show without every distracting from the story. The kids ensemble were, similarly, first rate and made an impact whenever they came on stage.

In total, there were nearly 80 children involved on stage in this production; and well over a hundred including the hard working backstage team. A staggering size of company. It was clear that each and every one gave 100% and that is testament to the hard work of Director, Stacey Carty, who clearly inspired her cast to tell the story with passion and enthusiasm. The musical side of the production was expertly led by Helen Purchase and her brilliant rock band which included some genuinely ‘rock and roll’ teachers, students and a deputy-Headmaster! All of this would be as nothing without the flawless technical support of Chris Pellet, Nathan Etherington and their team. They made the show look easy – though with a multitude of lights and microphones and a stage on wheels, there is no way it could have been.

Above all, this was an outstanding ensemble piece of theatre in which every person – on stage or off, small part or major role – contributed to the success of the performance. The company is too numerous to mention each by name, but nevertheless all are deserving of equal credit and congratulation. Never has it been truer to say that there is no such thing as a small role. Time to dust off the Bon Jovi CDs….

John Lofthouse