Charlotte from the news team was super excited to return to MK Theatre last night to see School of Rock and here is her review...
As soon as I heard School of Rock was coming to Milton Keynes Theatre, I knew it was going to be an exciting show to catch. From the well-known catchy soundtrack to the current references, the show had the crowd joining in throughout.
If you haven't seen the film or are unfamiliar with the story, this new musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band – sensationally performed live by the production’s young actors every night with roof-raising energy! While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to truly rock, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful, but uptight headmistress, helping her rediscover the wild child within.
Alongside the familiar songs from the movie, the musical also features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber. These songs are catchy, fun and help to tell the story.
I was completely blown away by the insanely talented kids. The kids were not only completely adorable and amazing at acting but their talent when it came to performing in the band really shined through.
The young actors played all of the 'School of Rock' band music live on stage and they were incredible. On top of that, the kids 'parents' in the show made their way down to the audience to watch during the 'battle of the bands' segment, this made the audience feel really involved and for a second I forgot I was watching a musical and not a real life band competing!
The kids had a real good relationship with the lead, Jake Sharp (Dewey), you would really think he was their teacher. The way the kids made fun of him and the jokes bounced back and forth was really authentic. As well as some iconic lines from the movie, the musical related to current culture with one kid even complaining that their mum made TikToks!
I have to give a special shout out to Alfie Morwood, who played Billy, the student into fashion and Vogue despite his father's push for him to play football. Everything Alfie said and did had the whole crowd laughing along, it was like the character was made for him!
Jake Sharp (Dewey) really gave off a Jack Black-esque aura, he really was the perfect man for the role.
Act Two was full of so much energy and the music only got better. We also got to see more of Rebecca Lock (playing Rosalie Mullins) and wow can she sing!
I LOVED School of Rock the musical and it bought back so many memories of watching the film so many years ago.
The casting was incredible and the music had us dancing in our seats all night long!
LISTINGS
Performances: Tue 8 Feb - Sat 12 Feb 2022 19:30 and 14:30
Tickets: From £13*
General bookings: 0844 871 7615*
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
Online Booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes*
*Fees may apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge
Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @MKTheatre
