THE ALEXANDRA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM – UNTIL SATURDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 2022
REVIEWED BY NADIA DODD
5****
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adaptation of the 2003 hit comedy film follows lead character Dewey Finn (Jake Sharp) as a failed, wannabe rock star managing to lie his way into a substitute teacher position at a very high class prep school Horace Green.
Jake who plays the well known character of Dewey, (played by Jack Black in the film), has almost the same characteristics plus more, bringing such high-energy to the performance throughout the whole evening.
Whilst ‘working’ in the school just to help pay the rent after being threatened by his flatmates that he will have to leave unless he does his fair share, he realises that the class he is working with have amazing musical potential. Dewey has no teaching experience but feels he can bring out the best in these kids because he listens to them, something that some of their parents aren’t doing. The students are more suited to playing piano, cello and studying classical music rather than keyboard, electric guitar and drums until Dewey convinces them otherwise……
Once he has his band, backing singers, dancers, roadies and even manager Dewey then has to convince the principal of the school, Rosalie Mullins (Rebecca Lock) to take the pupils off school premises and attend The Battle of The Bands contest.
The young performers in this show are just amazing and the absolute stars of the night. Not just singing and acting, they play their instruments live throughout the performance with such enthusiasm you can really see they are thoroughly enjoying themselves, the audience were clapping along as the band were rocking out.
High energy, up beat new songs have been added by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the catchiest tune for me being ‘Stick it to The Man’, alongside the original songs from the film also being performed.
Fast paced, exhilarating, high energy and great comedy timing makes this show a fabulous choice for all the family to enjoy.
As the cast took their final bows, the audience were on their feet with a standing ovation to show their appreciation of what was a truly awe-inspiring evening