As someone who barely mastered the recorder in middle school, I am in AWE of the sheer talent of the kids who tore up the stage at Leeds Grand Theatre last night.
They absolutely steal the show, and quite rightly so. Andrew Lloyd Webber's treatment of the 2003 film starring Jack Black (my word, is it that old?) retains all the joy of the hit comedy and throws in a new raft of songs that let the young stars really shine - and add a new dimension to what is already a brilliant caper.
The show follows the same plot with the occasional tweak, but nothing that strays from the heart of the story. The songs add new scenes in their own right and flesh things out wonderfully - If Only You Would Listen, which shines a light on the home lives of the privileged Horace Green Kids, is a particular highlight.
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I cannot gush enough about how brilliant the kids are. There's a pre-recorded message from Andrew Lloyd Webber at the start of the show reminding the audience, that yes, the children in the band do play their instruments live in the show, and I'm glad it's included so they can get the recognition they deserve.
Three teams of 12 mini musicians are on the UK tour, at the Grand until April 9, with talent from across the country. The performance of School of Rock at the battle of the band, the show's absolute magic moment, honestly made me a bit emotional - not just the nostalgia of what is a brilliant movie song, but also how much fun the young cast were having, cheered on by a ridiculously excited audience.
Big fan of Freddy the drummer being played by a girl at the Grand. She smashed it.
The man behind the magic, Dewey Finn, was given a whole fresh spin by Jake Sharp, who's leading the UK tour after performing in the show on the West End. Any fears that we might be in for a two hour Jack Black impression were quickly obliterated - the Sharp's Dewey keeps all of the best bits but takes in a bigger, brasher direction that is a laugh riot from start to finish.
Rosalie Mullins, the nervous, uptight Horace Green Principal, is given a sharper edge in the show, and was wonderfully played by Rebecca Lock. Lock's powerful voice blew the roof off the theatre, especially in the brilliant power ballad Where Did The Rock Go?
Shout out to the non-stop cast switching from teachers to parents and No Vacancy rockers in what must be a very chaotic backstage, but there wasn't a single slip.
And there's a brilliant bit of staging in the battle of the bands scene that brings the audience right into the show - keep an eye out for where the parents pop up.
School of Rock the Musical takes a very fun film and lets it run riot on the stage. It's joyous. If you're looking for a fun family night out, this is it.
School of Rock is at Leeds Grand Theatre until Saturday, April 9. Due to occasional; strong language it is recommended for children 8+.
To book, visit the Leeds Heritage Theatres website.
