SCHOOL OF ROCK: THE MUSICAL is one of those Andrew Lloyd Webber shows that was destined to be a hit before it even 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 out on a major UK tour. It pretty much mirrors the movie and follows failed, wannabe 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 all this week at the Wales Millennium Centre.
Dewey (JAKE SHARP) 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 he also falls for the school’s uptight headmistress (REBECCA LOCK) and helps her rediscover the wild child within.
SOUTH WALES LIFE was 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 – OLIVIER AWARDS.
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 immediately had 5-star reviews and huge critical acclaim. The Broadway production 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.
As well as the new songs from ALW and all the original songs from the movie, this high-octane smash delivers face-melting guitar riffs and touching romance in equally awesome doses!
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 is at the Wales Millennium Centre through to Saturday 21st May. Tickets are on sale now, and well worth treating you and the family. They range from £19.50 to £45.50. You can get yours here. SCHOOL
It’s also opening press night tomorrow and we’ll be there to bring you our review soon after the show finishes.
