Forth Children’s Theatre’s School of Rock is at Broughton High School until the 9th August with a matinee on Saturday 9th. Having recently seen their production of the Sound of Music in April, it’s hard to believe FCT brought together a mammoth rock musical in such short time, but they have and it’s raring for people to come see.
Joseph Coane is Dewey Fin, having large shoes to fill in a giga-famous originating performance from Jack Black in the original movie, and a powerhouse of a Broadway original performance from Alex Brightman, Coane manages to create a Dewey that is incredibly his own but also recognizable as the character we know and love. He’s very rarely off stage, carrying the production on his shoulders and delivering hilarious lines like he’s been doing it for decades, while also producing powerhouse vocals AND playing live? Yeah, this kid’s got it.
Lauren Gardner as Rosalie Mullins was fantastic. She completely convinces as the uptight head teacher of an incredibly prestigious school. Gardner’s acting choices show an in depth understanding of Mullins. However, her vocals are a real moment stealer of the show. Effortlessly handling operatic moments and delivering the beautiful Where Did The Rock Go? with ease means Gardner is made for this role.
Iona Irving’s know-it-all, smarty pants, bossy band manager Summer Hathaway is perfection. Being able to command a stage and everyone around her at such a young age is something to be in awe at. She is remarkable here and her opener to act 2 sets the pace nicely and drops the audience right back where they need to be.
Nathan Fisher was great as Zack Mooneyham. He really sticks the landing with being a son that never quite has his Dad’s full attention, while secretly being very skilled at performing and song writing. The emotional story between he and his father is something that resolves nicely at the end, the payoff coming from their performances being so believable throughout.
Kharim Mather was unstoppable as Freddie. Lovely vocals and incredible drum playing make him a stand out in this production. Also managing to turn on some emotion in his performance during If Only You Would Listen and being the beating heart of the music on stage is something to be proud of.
Lara Shanks plays Ned Schneebly, playing the push over, former rocker roommate perfectly, again an iconic performance from the movie may linger in the mind of the audience if not for Shank’s complete grasp of the character. A few lovely choices made in Shank’s performance make for a thoroughly believable portrayal, where the audience truly feels as if they are watching an adult substitute teacher who once again years to rock.
The direction from Kayleigh MacDonald is strong. The scenes transition well and the pacing is kept nicely. Each child is very clearly distinct and they are all their own little people. Costuming was done very well and the lighting design was excellent. Some tweaks in the mixing of the music would make for a flawless execution of a performance.
The choreo from Taylor Doig & Mirrin Macleay pushes the show along and fits the punchy, rocking energy needed for School Of Rock. And it’s all executed incredibly well with boundless energy from an incredible ensemble. The music itself is a stand out taking point of the show as some of it is impressively done on stage by the cast themselves, and the off stage band also add a lovely layer of volume and energy to proceedings. There were a few bung notes here and there however for the most part it all sounded great.
The talent and energy on display here is simply jaw dropping, the level of quality FCT regularly displays always manages to impress and delight. School Of Rock is definitely one to catch while you still can. The performers’ energy and pure joy is enough to make the price of admission worth it, but it goes above and beyond that with the seamless, sleek and glitzy production elements that FCT manages to put together for this invigorating Fringe show.
Playing Broughton High School till Saturday 9th August.
Get your tickets here – https://www.forthchildrenstheatre.org/upcoming-shows
Theatre Scotland 
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