REVIEW | The School of Rock UK Tour

THE SCHOOL OF ROCK
UK TOUR
★★★★★

I last saw this smashing UK tour in November and I am still exhausted from the strength of its delivery. Now in the tail-end of the extensive tour, this cast is still delivering the first-class production that won it rave reviews and an Olivier Award. Audiences of all ages still want a piece of the coolest school in town! There is no doubt that when you leave the auditorium after watching the show, you are in search of tickets to see it again. The School of Rock is brilliant through and through, amplified by comedy, a killer soundtrack, and a bloody exceptional cast. The School of Rock is an education on the powerful and positive impact of music on the minds of the younger generation. 

The story follows failed rockstar Dewey Finn who pretends to be a substitute teacher at an elite prep school to pay his increasing rent debt. His passion for rock and roll inspires the children who are desperate for their parents to pay more attention to them. Dewey transforms his class into a brilliant rock band, pulling on their natural ability to play music well. He decides to enter them into the coveted Battle of the Bands competition, allowing the children to discover how music can play a positive influence on their lives along the way.  

Bringing Dewey Finn to life in superb style is Jake Sharp. He has a consistent level of energy and spirit as this rock lover that is infectious. He also has incredibly crafted comedic timing integrated into this character for good measure as well. Sharp does a phenomenal job at putting his own stamp on a role that was iconic in the 2003 film that starred Jack Black. His relationship and response to the young cast members is what executes the warmth of this story as well as the musicality finish of this show. 

Of course, when it comes to The School of Rock, it's the children that steal this show. This group of children takes your breath away with the level of talent they display and you would not believe that many of these children are undertaking their professional debuts on this UK tour. You cannot keep your eyes off how these young people manage to execute the choreography, the script, and the vocals all in one go - but the fact they also play their instruments live on stage throughout the show, night after night is frankly astonishing. Younger members of the audience will be inspired by the sheer amount of talent displayed by these young people. They captivated the audience from the get-go and they were fully invested in their entire journey! 

The entire cast of this production is flawless in delivering a high-quality show. Accompanied by an epic killer soundtrack with some of the show's greatest hits including Stick It To The Man with its mighty influence on getting the audience headbanging to the more emotive number from Where Did The Rock Go. Rebecca Lock manages to capture the yearning for revisiting her youth in this musical number, a completely different side to the uptight school principal that we see for the majority of this story. Lock has sensational vocals and her rendition of Where Did The Rock Goes manages to showcase to the audience what a flawless talent she is. 

The School of Rock is the perfect show for the entire family to enjoy. It is energetic, punchy and so much fun! The superbly talented young people will encourage aspiring performers of what their dreams in theatre can ensue if they work hard, and never give up on their dreams (just like Dewey Finn!). I'm just wondering when can I enrol at the School of Rock please? 

The School of Rock is currently touring at various venues around the UK. You can find out further information and book your tickets here.