The School Of Rock At The New Victoria Theatre, Woking Review
TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Jonathan Grimes
School of Rock is a musical based on the hit movie of the same name written by Mike White. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and the book by Julian Fellowes this is a well-produced production. It features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, and for those who have seen the movie all the original songs are retained.
The show tells the story of Dewey Finn (Jake Sharp) a freeloading failed rock star who has not grown up. He still believes that fame is just around the corner and as a result his friend has grown up leaving Dewey in a freeloading dream world. The story opens with Dewey being fired by his band and threatened eviction from the flat where he stays with his friend Ned Schneebly (Matthew Rowland). An opportunity however presents itself to Dewey in the form of a job which in desperation he steals from Ned. The job involves Dewey posing as a supply teacher at the exclusive Horace Green Prep School. Things take off when initially disinterested Dewey discovers that his class are talented musicians, albeit classically trained. An idea forms and he decides to turn them into a rock band and enters them into the Battle of the Bands contest.
Dewey has first to circumvent the rather strict head teacher Rosalie Mullins (Rebecca Lock). It is warming to see how Rosalie defrosts and her true character comes afore. This is particularly evident when she sings “where did the rock go”, it brought the humanity and romance to her character and the room.
The cast consists a mixture of adults, playing teachers and parents, and of course the children forming the class. There is no doubt, however that the kids entirely steal the show, their energy is exuberant, their musical skills are amazing, and one can see the enjoyment in both the cast and the faces of the audience.
As I sat in my seat at the new Victoria Theatre, I thought to myself, if this musical is to be successful it certainly needs to pack a punch to compete with such a well known and loved movie. I was not let down, the music is played with skill and intensity by the kids, who all play live, supported by a live adult band. The enthusiasm skill of the children is both impressive and exhilarating in equal measure.
The audience erupted, taking to their feet and joining in during the last song. It was a pleasure to be there and be part of what was an emotional moment for both the cast and audience.
If you get the opportunity to see the School of Rock, you will leave the theatre with a smile, a song in your ear and a skip in your step.
The show is 2.5 hours long including the interval making it reasonable for those with children. This is a show that is above all a lot of fun for all ages.
The Theatre Age guidance is 8+ as the show contains occasional strong language, furthermore it is advised that smoke effects and strobe lights are used during this performance. Caution should be paid to those who may be detrimentally affected. Proof of COVID-19 status is required by those over the age of 18 to gain entry to the venue (Check website).
The New Victoria Theatre has great acoustics and from where I sat in the stalls, I had an excellent view of the stage. The seats were comfy and there was no problem with legroom. The theatre is furnished with three bars, there is no cloakroom available at this venue so thought over attire should be carefully thought out.
Wheelchair spaces are available in the back row of the Royal Circle and one wheelchair space in the Stalls. It is advisable to book wheelchair spaces in advance.
The theatre is attached to the Peacocks Centre, Woking. Easily accessible from the M25 (Jct 10,11), M3 (Jct 3), and A3. Frequent trains are available from London Waterloo and the surrounding area. Woking Railway station is 5 minutes’ walk.
The theatre is in the heart of Woking with easy parking at the nearby Woking Shopping Car Park, Victoria Way, Woking GU21 6GH, which is only £1.50 after 6pm and provided covered access to the theatre.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £13 (Plus £3.65 Transaction Fee)
School of Rock is at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking from Monday 27th September to Saturday 02nd October 2021.
For more information or to book tickets visit https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/school-of-rock/new-victoria-theatre/#access or ATG Tickets +442072061182
New Victoria Theatre, Woking, The Ambassadors, The Peacocks Centre, Woking GU21 6GQ