SCHOOL OF ROCK: THE MUSICAL is one of those Andrew Lloyd Webber shows that was destined to be a hit before it took to the stage. Every element was perfect. Great reputation, and loyal following from the original Jack Black movie. Incredible new songs written by Andrew and Glenn Slater. The book (stage story) written by Julian Fellowes, the guy who wrote Downton Abbey. And of course, a stage filled with talented kids blasting out this music, and playing the instruments. How could it ever fail.
Following a hugely successful West End run, the show is going on a major UK tour next year. It pretty much mirrors the movie and follows failed, wannabee rock star Dewey Finn, which was played by Jack Black on the big screen, who becomes a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school to earn a bit of extra cash.
In fact, when Jack Black turned up to see the show, he was pretty ‘to the point’ with his review. ‘I LAUGHED, I CRIED, I ROCKED’ So, get ready to stick it to the man when they get to Cardiff we reckon.
He then sets about turning his class of straight-A students into a mind-blowing rock band. The young actors perform a sensational live show every night, which won them an Olivier Award in 2017 for Outstanding Achievement in Music. Along the way, Dewey also falls for the school’s uptight headmistress and he helps her rediscover the wild child within.
SOUTH WALES LIFE were in the audience for those Olivier Awards and the cast of SOR performed. To say they stole the show would be an understatement. Why don’t you judge for yourself.
The stage adaption features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, who composed the music for shows including Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. The production opened at the New London Theatre, as it was called back then it’s now the Gillian Lynne Theatre, back in November 2016. It immediately had 5-star reviews and huge critical acclaim. The Broadway production recently finished its run at the Winter Garden Theatre with a US national touring production continuing. An Australian production opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne last October.
For us however, what is so great about this hilarious show, are young actors, blasting out this music live, every night with roof-raising energy! To see these talented kids performing and playing their instruments, really is something else.
SCHOOL OF ROCK: THE MUSICAL starts its major UK Tour next year, coming to the Wales Millennium Centre from the 12th to 17th April. We’ll let you know as soon as tickets go on sale. You can keep a check right here. SCHOOL