School Of Rock: Cabaret Theatre Company
“Stick It to the Man” is one of those lines I tend to associate with a few groups in particular: down on their luck and pissed by 11am, those who reject the various responsibilities a modern social structure requires, sacked/unemployed, or very much employed but endlessly unappreciated.
Our lead character, Dewey Finn, very much falls into the ‘sacked/unemployed’ and ‘rejecting responsibility’ categories. However, he does possess an unrelenting musical talent, and with his lifelong safety net (roommate and best friend, Ned Sheebly) being swayed against him by Ned’s mercilessly shrill girlfriend, Patty, Dewey needs to bring in some overdue rent fast. He demonstrates some fine improvisational skills in impersonating Ned to accept a substitute teacher position at a posh prep school and soon beguiles his musically gifted class by the wonders of rock. Before they know it, influenced by their infectiously unique new teacher, they have joined his band, School of Rock, and in hot pursuit to win the esteemed Battle of the Bands.
Much like the original 2003 film (always worth a watch to appreciate a tailormade and gracious performance by Jack Black) the adapted musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Julian Fellowes showcases the genuine talent of the young performers without alienating a mature audience. It’s an all-rounder; a classroom cult classic underpinned by an intelligent, punky tone. I love seeing rigorously trained children rebel.
The original numbers slot perfectly into the catalogue of the great rock Dewey idolises and preaches about: ACDC/ Black Sabbath. But it’s the songs where the kids play the instruments that careful direction (Chris Moss) and structure (producer/ choreographer, Sally Everson) really explore the awakenings each character undergoes. Surely, by design, you can’t just merely play these chords or sing these words – and they’re not your average tracks you can just phone in! They’re showstoppers; high voltage homages that demand fearlessness and a ruthless allegiance to the freedom this kind of music can bring.
Andrew Buxton as Dewey is a raging, magnetic delight and fully immerses himself in the embodiment of the magnificent rock titans he adores. Akin to Jack Black’s portrayal, the key to his relationship with his students, and what forms their language so fluently, is just how much they have in common. Spiritually he’s their age and Buxton makes the most of this without exploiting it just for comedic value. He’s a strong anchor for the younger cast, enabling them to do their thing and shine in their own light, whilst maintaining and driving the heart of the narrative.
All the cast do a fine job; their timing crucial and executed professionally. But keep an eye out for drummer, Freddie, played by Juliette Wiles – she’s my one to watch from this production. A true natural; she’s where she belongs on stage, and I really hope the future’s as bright for her as she is for us.
I love Dewey’s bed. Not that I’ve tried it – I’m talking about the set design. Peppered with small details that highlight his commitment to rock, its exactly like a teenage boy’s bedroom (complete with Papa John’s pizza box, though we’re spared a glimpse of whatever must be growing inside it). The overall set is generally creative and the wonderful props well utilised (I especially enjoy it when Dewey leads his class through the halls to escape for the Battle of the Bands qualifier).
Sometimes you can watch a show and think ‘bloody hell, they really meant that’ and I think all involved mean this with rock n roll knobs on. Each musical number is clearly loved and perfected, and having the youngsters as such a formidable and united centrepiece is charming, full, and brilliant. Resistance is futile and I’d happily switch places with any proud parent/ guardian tonight – and there are a lot to choose from.
‘Stick it to the man’ indeed then, and off you pop to watch some riotously talented kids cut their milky whites at The Brewhouse. When they’re collecting their Mercury and/ or Bafta’s – we can all say where they were on Wed 6th March 2024.
