Alleyn Court Preparatory School
School of Rock
Towngate Theatre, Basildon
4th March 2020
School of Rock
Towngate Theatre, Basildon
4th March 2020
Well done Alleyn Court School – Rock On
How good it is to see youngsters on stage with such enthusiasm and energy. It was obvious that the children from Alleyn Court School were having the time of their lives, enjoying every minute of performing in School of Rock (The Musical). There was such confident delivery of the songs and dialogue from the young ensemble cast. Leading the way was Dewie (Finley Sexton) giving a barnstorming performance. He was a real powerhouse as he stormed the stage, dominating the vocals and was a star in the making in both stage presence and voice.
He had all the rock star moves down to a tee, blasting out the numbers, and had excellent comic timing. However, he also stepped back to being a team player and letting the others shine. This was a brilliant, vocally strong, ensemble production, with every child playing their part with gusto.
All the busy, classroom pieces were well choreographed giving all the children a sense of being part of the whole and they attacked their lines and singing in a professional manner. Even the scene changes carried out by the pupils were well organised. There were some excellent numbers such as You’re in the Band, where the youngsters demonstrated their abilities, to be selected, for the band competition. Then the quieter more thoughtful song, Where did the Rock Go performed by the school’s principal Isabella Horn and the full on rock number summing it all up, Stick it to the Man.
He had all the rock star moves down to a tee, blasting out the numbers, and had excellent comic timing. However, he also stepped back to being a team player and letting the others shine. This was a brilliant, vocally strong, ensemble production, with every child playing their part with gusto.
All the busy, classroom pieces were well choreographed giving all the children a sense of being part of the whole and they attacked their lines and singing in a professional manner. Even the scene changes carried out by the pupils were well organised. There were some excellent numbers such as You’re in the Band, where the youngsters demonstrated their abilities, to be selected, for the band competition. Then the quieter more thoughtful song, Where did the Rock Go performed by the school’s principal Isabella Horn and the full on rock number summing it all up, Stick it to the Man.
There was a lovely sparky performance by Poppy Pearson as Summer, and Grace Lowndes-King shone as the quiet timid Tomika. When given her chance she blasted out Amazing Grace to earn her place in the band competition. There was also a very strong performance by Samanvitha Bhat as the bossy Patty, who has a shock when her boyfriend Ned (Elliot Marshak) starts answering back. There were also some excellent comic touches particularly William Sterry as Billy the costume designer.
In some numbers the instruments were played live by Joseph Sterry, Bethany Lewis, Stefan Bye, Rory Joseph and Finley himself, giving their all. So that the cast could emulate the authentic West End production it was essential that the instruments were played live. Some of the performers had only learned them in 2019 when an AC Rock School was set up especially with rock specialist tutors. There was even a rock band, No Vacancy dressed in all the gear. I liked the bass guitarist with the bandana whom I think was Anaiya-Mai Gupta, cloning Keith Richards. The backing by professional musicians under the direction of the Ashton Moore, provided excellent accompaniment to all the numbers.
Unfortunately, in the first half there were some technical issues with the sound, but the performers carried on and even without a working mic, Finley could still be heard. Particular note must be made of Elliot as Ned, left alone on stage manfully carrying on improvising his guitar moves, even doing some Pete Townshend pretend guitar smashing. I assume the delay was due to technical things being sorted off stage. He earned his own round of applause, from the audience who responded warmly to his problem. Luckily the sound difficulties were resolved for the second half.
In some numbers the instruments were played live by Joseph Sterry, Bethany Lewis, Stefan Bye, Rory Joseph and Finley himself, giving their all. So that the cast could emulate the authentic West End production it was essential that the instruments were played live. Some of the performers had only learned them in 2019 when an AC Rock School was set up especially with rock specialist tutors. There was even a rock band, No Vacancy dressed in all the gear. I liked the bass guitarist with the bandana whom I think was Anaiya-Mai Gupta, cloning Keith Richards. The backing by professional musicians under the direction of the Ashton Moore, provided excellent accompaniment to all the numbers.
Unfortunately, in the first half there were some technical issues with the sound, but the performers carried on and even without a working mic, Finley could still be heard. Particular note must be made of Elliot as Ned, left alone on stage manfully carrying on improvising his guitar moves, even doing some Pete Townshend pretend guitar smashing. I assume the delay was due to technical things being sorted off stage. He earned his own round of applause, from the audience who responded warmly to his problem. Luckily the sound difficulties were resolved for the second half.
This is a technically difficult West End musical, and needs to present as such, it was amazing that in this production all the children performed to a very high level. There were no weak spots for which credit must be given to the directors, Ashton Moore, and Mrs Wells. It is no mean feat to gather a large group of primary age children together, rehearse them and arrive at a production that’s so entertaining, gives all the children a part to play and produces such a powerful show.
Every number performed was full on with all the rock moves, with over the top guitar showmanship from Finley, and others. There was a touch of Status Quo, The Who, Chuck Berry, and Led Zeppelin, and the cast brilliantly used the stage with aplomb.
Although this musical is basically a rock opera it also has things to say. It is about children rising to a challenge, having self- belief and achieving against the odds. Additionally, it deals with the children's relationship with their busy parents who are suddenly surprised by the extra-ordinary abilities of their children. This is particularly effective in the ensemble piece If Only You Would Listen.
It is a shame that this show was only on for two nights. The packed audience of mainly friends and family loved every bit of School of Rock and the children and staff of Alleyn Court Preparatory School should be proud of this brilliant production. I look forward to the next one.
Review: Jacquee Storozynski-Toll
Every number performed was full on with all the rock moves, with over the top guitar showmanship from Finley, and others. There was a touch of Status Quo, The Who, Chuck Berry, and Led Zeppelin, and the cast brilliantly used the stage with aplomb.
Although this musical is basically a rock opera it also has things to say. It is about children rising to a challenge, having self- belief and achieving against the odds. Additionally, it deals with the children's relationship with their busy parents who are suddenly surprised by the extra-ordinary abilities of their children. This is particularly effective in the ensemble piece If Only You Would Listen.
It is a shame that this show was only on for two nights. The packed audience of mainly friends and family loved every bit of School of Rock and the children and staff of Alleyn Court Preparatory School should be proud of this brilliant production. I look forward to the next one.
Review: Jacquee Storozynski-Toll