Friday 24 March 2023

AMATEUR THEATRE REVIEW: School Of Rock - The Forum Theatre, Romiley. Greater Manchester


Andrew Lloyd-Webber's 'School Of Rock' (based on the film of the same name) is becoming increasingly popular among the amateur repertoire, as this particular reviewer has now seen four versions of this show so far this year! It's appeal is apparent, but must cause some consternation when casting the youngsters since the show requires a class of junior school children who can not only act, sing and dance to a high standard, but they all are required to play at least one musical instrument too, with several taking leading solo roles on guitars, keyboards and drum kit. What never ceases to amaze me however is the ease in which every society, every production, manages to find such a group of skilful and dextrous youngsters. Proving beyond doubt that Britain does indeed 'got talent'! 

In this particular production, presented by NK Theatre Arts, at their home-base of The Forum Theatre in Romiley, we had a very upbeat, energetic, and somewhat tongue-in-cheek show played to the hilt by a large cast of both adults and children. Of course this show belongs to the children, but one must not overlook the principal adult actors either. Taking the leading role of Dewey Finn - the guitar-playing, Hard Rock-loving, slob who refuses to "grow up" and become a proper adult - was John Redfern. Redfern played the role for laughs and was at times (especially in the first act) quite monodimensional; tending to shout everything (including the songs) rather than reserving the shouting for emphasis. He did however, make a lovely comedy turn during the opening song, giving the band more than justification for sacking him! Redfern reminded me very much of the comedian Nick Helm (who also shouts a lot!), but in Redfern's favour, he did mellow and become much more believable and rounded during act two once he develops and relationship with the young students in his charge. An energetic and forceful actor who is obviously talented, but for this reviewer at least, didn't quite hit this character squarely on the nose, failing to find some of the more subtle nuances of his role. 

Helping the adult story along is the principal of the school, Rosalie Mullins, who starts as a strict, unmoving and unmovable rock upon which the strict code of behaviour and excellence of the school stands and depends. Played this evening by Charlotte Lavelle, she subtly manages to soften bit by bit on her every entrance, making her 'date' with Finn more believable than I have seen previously, and her solo in the bar, 'Where Did The Rock Go', was the adult highlight of the show. Coming on for the finale dressed as an aging rock chick was also a lovely idea and worked well.

However.. the children! With every one having their own different character / characterisation, they all impressed and make a very strong cohesive group. Summer (Franki Linguard) was superb as the bossy organiser goody-two-shoes, and her dancing and singing was also beyond reproach. I loved to watch her acting in the background whilst a scene was being played in front of her, and her facial expressions and her body language were just delightful, not upstaging but doing what a good actor should. The great Charlie Chaplin quote comes to mind: "Don't be like the majority of actors, standing around waiting for your turn to speak. Instead, learn how to listen". The School Of Rock band.. Zack (Charlie Gill), Katie (Ellie Patterson), Freddie (Zack Winterbottom), and Lawrence (Montague Fairfield) all showed considerable musicianship as well as giving us four different and recognisable characters. The two backing singers Marcy (Sadie Pilbury) and Shonelle (Kat Ellington) worked excellently together and impressed with their singing / dancing. Fashion designer Billy (Harvey Garner) hit his caricature of a rather camp and fey fashion-lover perfectly, and his hip swagger was hilarious! Tomika (Ava Staines-Heath) was excellent inasmuch as we hardly even noticed her presence until act two (as it is supposed to be), and then she truly came into her own with her unaccompanied rendition of 'Amazing Grace' giving me goosebumps in the process and garnering the largest applause of the evening up to that point. Others, all of whom deserve full credit, were technicians, roadies, security etc.. and these were played by Amelia Dunne, Emma Redfern, Joel Derbyshire, Lauren Pilbury, and Joe Simpson.

A supplementary live onstage band performed all the songs not being played by the School Of Rock band, and sound levels were generally far too high sadly. I know that 'rock' is in the title of this show, but we are in a theatre watching a musical, and, as a definite trend to put the volume knob at max is sweeping musical theatre these days, louder does not equal better. I was forced to wear earplugs for majority of the singing this evening.

Directed by Dominic Stannage, some of the scene changes seemed a little too long, and I simply did not understand why on two occasions, one of the young girls was tasked with simply standing looking out, centre stage, whilst the scene was changed. The emphasis was clearly on 'fun' throughout', and sadly some of the jokes fell a little flat this evening. However, Stannage found a good arc to the story and we followed the exploits of this grown-up juvenile delinquent and his dogged insistence at competing at 'Battle Of The Bands' at whatever cost, with interest and sympathy. 

A truly upbeat and heart-warming story which subliminally tackles issues of gender, mental illness, child psychology, misunderstanding, and goodness knows what else through a medium that touches every single human on the planet...music. An absolute blast of a show, and (despite my criticisms) hugely enjoyable and a feather in NKTA's cap!

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 23.3.23
 

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