Harlequin Productions is back in the Tivoli Theatre this week with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning smash hit musical, School of Rock. Based on the hilarious film of the same name, we follow Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. This production packs a punch, filled with incredible talent and infectious energy.
Ruairi Mackinnon leads the way as Dewey Finn, providing great energy and fantastic vocals. With the big shoes of Jack Black to fill, Mackinnon delivers a witty performance as Dewey. We watch him guide this cast of incredibly talented students throughout the show, barely catching his breath as he jumps into scene after scene.
Lauren Taylor plays the high-achieving and bossy Summer. Taylor has great presence and control onstage, especially in ‘Time to Play’. She matches Mackinnon’s energy with attitude and ease. On the drums as Freddie is Heath Macinnes. With fantastic energy and sensational skills, Macinnes embodies a rock star onstage and behind his drum set. His performance during ‘If Only You Would Listen’ was a particular highlight. Max Gray gives an electrifying performance as guitarist Zack. Between shredding guitar and his eventual rebellion against his disinterested father, Gray gives an outstanding performance throughout the production. Opposite Gray on bass is Lucy Kennedy as Katie. Kennedy has perfected her ‘bass-face’ and expertly handles the musical challenge as the shy Katie. Ayden Loh plays the anxious pianist Lawrence. With electrifying skills on the keys, Loh gives a solid performance as Lawrence. The flamboyant Billy is performed excellently by Noah Burnell. With bags of sass and a flair for dance, Burnell has great comic timing and is magnetic to watch onstage in Dewey’s classroom. Yasmin Wiseman provides some stunning vocals as Tomika. Suffocated by her hilariously protective fathers (played by Joshua Horsfall and Alisdair Sneden), Tomika finds comfort in singing, leading to her becoming a stand-out vocalist in the band. Wiseman, despite having the shy and quiet character, speaks volumes using a plethora of fantastic facial expressions throughout the show. Following Wiseman as backing vocalists Marcy and Shonelle are Abby Henderson and Charlotte Griffiths. With fun choreo and superb vocals, these two make a great duo onstage as they perform as The School of Rock.
And now for the rest of the class. Daniel Mackay, Elizabeth Gibbons, Jones Webster, Conrad MacLean, Alex Forbes, Bree Henderson, Ruby Clark, Archie Taylor, Merryn Benson, Niamh Hundtofte and Jack Burton-Hayfield make up the rest of the impressive class of The School of Rock. It’s clear that this team of students look out for each other onstage. Working cohesively throughout the show, they react phenomenally to Mackinnon’s wild antics. From tech, to security, to backup dancers, this talented crew are enthusiastic and energetic, the stage comes alive whenever class is in session. The future of Aberdeen’s local theatre is in good hands with this lot.
Supporting this gang of rock and roll stars are the ‘grown ups’. Shirley Torrie gives us a terrific Rosalie Mullins. When we first meet Mullins, she is terrifying, uptight and incredibly high-strung. Torrie’s character development is fabulous, especially during ‘date night’ with Dewey, with ‘Where Did the Rock Go’ being a standout moment. Torrie brings out a real likability to the character. Playing Dewey’s best friend, and the real Ned Schneebly, is Andrew Reid. As the lovable yet manipulated Ned, Reid’s energy is infectious onstage and his friendship with Dewey is tangible. Bullying Ned to retire from the rock is his girlfriend Patty Di Marco, played by Hannnah Davidson. Matching Reid’s intensity with expert timing, Davidson is demanding and domineering. The pair work together perfectly throughout the production, providing some big laughs as we watch Ned surrender to Patty until finally he finally snaps and fights back.
The adult ensemble, made up of Caitlin Bowcutt, Steve Hamer, Joshua Horsfall, Emmah Jane Jones, Conor McGarry, Angus Macintosh, Rebecca Morrice, Euan Murray, Alisdair Sneden, Rachel Watt and Abbey Wright provides a variety of roles throughout the show. From the overbearingly entertaining parents and snobby teachers, to the extravagantly sequined and mullet-wearing rock stars of Dewey’s old band, this ensemble are a great support for their younger cast mates. Causing chaos and hilarity during scenes in the staffroom and the parent’s evening.
It’s no mean feat to direct a show such as School of Rock, it’s a big ask to find an army of children that sing, act, dance and play music like rock gods. But Stuart Mearns has found them, and has done a great job at showcasing the fantastic talent of his cast, creating a real rock and roll piece of theatre. Ewan Fraser’s great use of spotlighting and Alan Webster’ minimal yet effective set allows for Mearn’s cast to rock out in style. Iain Hingston has done an exceptional job as Musical Director, demanding everything and more from his cast to provide a face-melting wall of sound, supported by Brian Gunnee as sound technician. Choreography by Rachel Mearns is minimal, animated and fun. The excitable jumping during ‘Stick It To The Man’ shows the audience how much fun the cast have onstage.
Jane Ritchie’s costuming brings the audience into the Horace Green School. The alterations to the student’s costumes for the Battle of the Bands is perfect and everything we expect with School of Rock.
Harlequin Productions has created a roof-raising production, confirmed by its standing ovation last night. Tenacious and energetic, this feel-good musical about embracing talent and overcoming insecurities has a contagious energy. Be ready to be schooled on the rock, brimming with terrific vocals and incredible musical talent, this production is not one to miss. School of Rock is playing at the Tivoli Theatre, from the 23rd – 25th November 2023.
Get your tickets here – https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/school-of-rock-harlequin-productions/#book
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