School of Rock to hit London's West End in 2017

Dom O'Hanlon
Dom O'Hanlon

As previously reported Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest musical and Broadway hit School of Rock is set to transfer to the West End, but the production is now aiming for a Spring 2017 opening rather than Autumn 2016, as initially announced.

The producer and composer announced the news at the opening night of the Broadway production:

"I am thrilled to announce that we are confirming a West End production of School of Rock - The Musical. We have had such a great time in the US staging the world premiere and now that we have opened on Broadway, I am delighted to be focussing on the next chapter in the show's journey."

It had been thought that the show would open at the London Palladium, a Really Useful Group Theatre, this autumn. Speaking ahead of auditions for the London production, Lloyd Webber said:

"We need brilliantly talented children who can act, sing and play rock instruments...Our show depends on it...we will open in the West End in spring 2017. So kids, get the metal out, strut the stuff and help us stick it to the man!"

School of Rock is based on the 2003 film of the same title and features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Glenn Slater and a book by Julian Fellowes. The production is directed by Laurence Connor with choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter, set and costume designs by Anna Louizos, lighting design by Natasha Katz, sound design by Mick Potter, music supervision by Ethan Popp and hair design by Josh Marquette.

The Broadway production is currently running at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York, where it began previews on 9 November, and officially opened on 6 December 2015. The show received strong reviews from critics, with many praising the screen-to-stage adaptation, and rock-infused score by Lloyd Webber.

"In School of Rock - The Musical, down-on-his-luck wannabe rock star Dewey Finn poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school to make ends meet. When he discovers his students' musical talents, he enlists his fifth-graders to form a rock group and conquer the Battle of the Bands."

School of Rock is produced on Broadway by Andrew Lloyd Webber for The Really Useful Group, Warner Music Group & Access Industries, The Shubert Organization and The Nederlander Organization.


Originally published on

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