REVIEW | The School of Rock, The IDOLS
Written by Hollie
contains some strong language.
It has been 20 years since the release of Paramount Pictures’ ‘The School of Rock’ starring Jack Black, and to celebrate the passing of two decades, the IDOLS are back at The Little Theatre in Leicester with their ambitious rock and roll musical. The IDOLS, also known as the Infirmary Dramatic, Operative and Literary Society are based at the Leicester Royal Infirmary where many of the donations from the IDOLS’ productions have been donated. Many of the adult performers in this year’s cast still work for the NHS at the Leicester Royal Infirmary!
Dewey Finn, played by Mitchell Smith, is the lazy friend of Ned, a supply teacher who is looking for his next role or opportunity. An opportunity at the prestigious private school, Horace Green, happens to come along but Ned isn’t in and Dewey answers the phone call instead. That is the start of a very big lie where Dewey begins teaching a class of children at the school whilst pretending to be Ned.
Over the next few weeks, Dewey begins to teach the children everything he knows about rock and roll and chooses not to teach them any English or Mathematics. But he isn’t a qualified teacher and everything he knows about rock and roll has been learnt through playing endless rounds of Guitar Hero on Ned’s PlayStation. In order to pay Ned his rent, Dewey decides to enter the class into the Battle of the Bands competition which is three weeks away.
The children decide on their parts within the band and start rehearsals with Dewey’s lead. Mitchell Smith’s performance as Dewey is absolutely superb. He is hilarious and charismatic and leads the cast brilliantly! The audience of families and children was able to sit back and enjoy the magic of rock as the school band and characters developed across the musical numbers and throughout the show.
Alongside the adult performers in the musical, are the next generation of aspiring actors, the very talented children. From the start of the show to the very end all of the children showed confidence, bravery and pure talent by acting, dancing, singing and playing instruments. A special mention for Harvey Clarridge who played Freddy, he raised his drumsticks, brought the band together and is the coolest rock and roll drummer I have ever seen! Aria Haswell and Autumn Lisseman were also brilliant on the bass and electric guitars!
The class continued to work towards the competition, deciding on different songs and how they were going to get to the competition without asking for permission or arousing suspicion. As a ‘wise prophet’ once told Dewey, ‘We are the champions my friends.’ I will let you watch and see whether the class wins the Battle of the Bands competition or not.
The evening was a delight from start to finish. The amazing talent and singing on stage were there for everyone to rock to!
So are you ready to rock? If so, The School of Rock continues at The Little Theatre in Leicester until Saturday 14th October 2023. I cannot wait to see what The IDOLS produce next year!
★ ★ ★ ★
