School of Rock The Musical at The Alexandra, Birmingham - Review

Post

Subscribe

Posted 2022-02-01 by Andy Coleman ⇒ follow

Mon 31 Jan 2022 - Sat 05 Feb 2022

The Alexandra in Birmingham has begun 2022 with some exciting musicals. During January, theatregoers have enjoyed Bat Out of Hell , The Addams Family and Chicago - and now we're going into February with Andrew Lloyd Webber's School of Rock . And what a treat it is! Who knew that a couple of hours at school could be so much fun?

Based on the 2003 Jack Black movie, School of Rock: The Musical tells the story of wannabe rock star Dewey Finn who, to earn some money to pay his rent, poses as a substitute teacher at leading private school, Horace Green. Discovering that his pupils have musical talents, he sets about moulding them into a rock group - with the goal of entering a Battle of the Bands contest.

Staffordshire actor Jake Sharp is perfect as Dewey, an overweight slob who has never grown up but loves classic rock music and, at the end of the day, wants the best for his pupils. Jake puts his heart and soul into the role, energetically performing songs like 'You're in the Band' and 'Stick It To The Man'.

Frosty principal Rosalie Mullins is played by Rebecca Lock , who has a fantastic singing voice, as shown when she performs 'Here at Horace Green' and 'Where Did The Rock Go?' The interactions between Dewey and Rosalie, especially when she's had a beer and is listening to Stevie Nicks on the jukebox, are priceless.

This show stands or falls on the standard of the young performers, and the Birmingham cast is superb. For the touring production, one of three teams of 12 children perform each night. They play their own instruments - guitar, bass, keyboards and drums - and their singing is exceptional. Guitarist Joseph Sheppard really shreds those notes, bassist Chloe Marler looks cool (and has a great bass player pose!), Eva McGrath is a powerhouse drummer and Angus McDougall could have a future as a prog-rock keyboardist. All the kids impress but I should also mention Angel Lucero, who has a lovely voice, and Keira Laver as Summer, the bossy band manager. Both are destined for successful musical theatre careers.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's music has an earworm quality - I'm still humming 'Stick It To The Man' - and Julian Fellowes' book includes cheeky references to Lloyd Webber's past triumphs. There are also topical quips (illicit parties, anyone?) and lots of in-jokes for heavy metal fans. Rock on!

School of Rock: The Musical is at The Alexandra, Birmingham, until February 5, 2022.

Rating: & #9733 ;& #9733 ;& #9733 ;& #9733 ;& #9733 ;