School of Rock

Between schools and community theatres, Perth theatre patrons have had a few opportunities in the last few years to see School of Rock. Despite this, Darlington Theatre Players’ incarnation feels fresh and fun.

Oliver Temby is an excellent and likable Dewey Finn, who manages to endear himself to the audience, despite the fact that his character is committing fraud, among a whole slew of related crimes. A dynamic, highly energized performer, he works particularly well with the child cast and with adversary, Ms. Mullins, played with authority and depth by Sarah McCabe.

Darlington have assembled a plethora of talented youngsters, who light up the stage. Well-drilled by choreographer Breanne Lucas, they attack production numbers with precision and high energy. Great work from Felix Steinwandel as guitarist Zack, with lovely emotions. Campbell Attwood impressed as drummer Freddy, while Austin Greene was strong as Lawrence, on keys. Bassist Katie was portrayed by Trithany Delides, playing superbly throughout. Molly Ward was lovely as Tomika, hiding a powerhouse voice, while Elizabeth Morgan and Chloe van Der Beeke sung up a storm as Marcy and Shonelle. Class Queen Bee Summer was expertly inhabited by Ruby Dunne, with fabulous work in smaller roles from Tate Davies, Ethan Lucas, Sully Lawrence, Taylor Kendall, Sienna Robinson and the student ensemble.

Nice work also from the adult cast, with Jordan Richards nicely understated as Ned, Ellie Coburn believably controlling as Patty, and a great team of ensemble members crazily changing costumes to play multiple roles.

There were a few disappointments. The many scene changes varied from impressive and slick to appallingly slow - with some obviously rehearsed and polished and others left to chance. Some of the blocking, most notably in the “dive bar” scene, was unhelpful - that particular scene combining poor placement of the key characters with distracting upstaging.

Costumes, designed and managed by Sarah McCabe doing double duty, were particularly impressive - with good looking uniforms and a huge number of well-chosen costumes that helped ensemble members quickly establish multiple roles.

Great fun for the whole family, School of Rock is a joy to watch.

Kimberley Shaw