School of Rock

What a school this is! Based on the 2003 film, this musical follows Dewey Finn, an out of work rock singer and guitarist who pretends to be a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Naturally he has no proper training but he discovers amazing musical talent in his students. He breaks a few more rules to form a band of fifth-graders in an attempt to win the upcoming Battle of the Bands. What an entertaining musical journey the audience follows.

Madeleine Johns, Director, and her team have produced fluent production that succeeded so very well because of her excellent cast selection in the major roles – and the students. The role of Dewey Finn was crucial to the success of this production and Thomas Armstrong-Robley was excellent in the role. With singing, movement and acting, he ticked all the boxes to drive the action along. In reality, the musical depended on him. Very well done.

Equally, the collection of young performers as the fifth-graders of the school who become the School of Rock in the Battle of the Bands was outstanding. When Kayla Pehl as Tomika sang “Amazing Grace”, the audience was in awe. Others such as Zara Kan, Cael Armitage and Rowan Fenwick were characters that played bass, drums and piano. The junior cast members displayed all the skills needed to form the School of Rock with good singing, dancing and staying in character. Georgia Burnett sang clearly as Rosalie Mullins.

In some of the scenes, the pace dropped, particularly when the parents were there as a group but that was minor. The other seniors in the musical were quite solid. Unfortunately at times, the lyrics were not as clear as they should have been.

RMT has maintained its high standard of recent presentations.

This is a very good night’s entertainment and also a trip down memory lane. This is in my must see category.

William Davies

Images: BEAK Photographics