School Of Rock – Review

“Stupendous!”

The story follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band – aiming to enter them into the Battle of the Bands.

Andrew LLoyd Webber’s wonderful and award-winning musical is based on the hit 2003 film starring Jack Black as rock star hopeful Dewey.

The role of Dewey requires a huge amount of energy, stamina and charm, and Lewis Simons brings it all to the part. His comedic timing and vocal range show he is multi-talented and well cast. He brings great physicality to his character and is very believable as a rock star.

Rosalie Mullins, the nervous, uptight Horace Green Principal is played by Keziah Newman. Her rendition of Queen of The Night is a highlight, and later she reveals her secret love of rock music, and yearns to recapture the carefree spirit of her youth, culminating in an exciting reprise of the song – rock version – with Dewey.

Nicole Motsernak, as Tomika, gives a powerful rendition of Amazing Grace, and the cast includes some outstanding solo voices throughout the show, including Harry Payne as Zak with his super cool rockin’ guitar playing.

But the show belongs to the whole school of rock, with some big outstanding numbers including You’re In The Band, Stick It To The Man, and a stupendous, exhilarating finale.

With great energetic choreography by Caroline Barnes, directed by Dominic Clarson and produced by Chris Witham, founder of Swish Tina Witham should be rightly proud of her talented students and the creative team, not forgetting the important backstage crew. Musical director Chloe Carroll and the orchestra give the show an exciting accompaniment.

It is so thrilling to experience such a fantastic cast, and the music was fab! Rock on!

Go and see the show! On until 19th February at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre.