School of Rock, the hit Broadway musical from legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, has landed in London and has the Gillian Lynne Theatre rocking!
Based on the iconic 2003 film starring Jack Black, School of Rock is about layabout, wannabe rock star Dewey Finn who poses as a substitute teacher at a prep school as a way of earning some much-needed cash. When he stumbles on the kids’ music class, he discovers their hidden talents and tries to mould them into a full-throttle rock band to enter the prestigious Battle of the Bands competition. But can Dewey turn these straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, mind-blowing rock group and keep the secret from the kids’ parents and headmistress?
Black starred in the 2003 film, which grossed $131 million from its $35 million budget, and received plaudits for his wacky performance as Dewey resulting in a Golden Globe nomination for the actor. While Black has not starred in the musical production in London or Broadway, he has said of the musical: "I had lots of déjà vu and lots of powerful moments of pride to be part of something that has transformed into this incredible Broadway masterpiece."
The production's cast features three troupes of child actors who, each night, arm themselves with guitars, drums and mics and perform some of the biggest hits from the beloved film, as well as some all-new numbers, live on stage. Open auditions are often held for the roles, meaning that anyone talented enough has the chance of finding themselves on stage at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new score has lyrics by Glenn Slater, and also includes songs from the original film, including “Teacher’s Pet”, “School of Rock” and “In the End of Time”. The cast of School of Rock includes three teams of children who perform their instruments live on stage, complete with face-melting solos and bone-shaking drum solos.
After rave reviews in the West End, grab your air guitar, pull out your best knee slide and unleash your inner rock god! You can read our review of School of Rock.
You've not got long to rock out at School of Rock in London, as it's set to close at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on 1st March 2020.
