School of Rock flies in to the West End

Based on the hit 2003 movie and now adapted for the stage by Julian Fellowes, School of Rock The Musical follows failed, wannabe rock star Dewey Finn as he turns a class of straight-laced, straight-A prep school students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. Can this loveable, crazy buffoon get them to the Battle of the Bands without their folks – and the school’s strict headmistress, finding out?

Tickets for School of Rock are now on sale, with previews from 24 October 2016. Here’s what critics said on Broadway:

Michael Coveney for What’s On Stage called School of Rock “Matilda with attitude, more teachers and better songs”

Ben Brantley for the NY Times called the musical “a cynicism-proof showstopper”

For Variety, Marilyn Stasio said School of Rock was “an exuberant feel-good musical

For a comprehensive round-up of the reviews from New York, check out http://www.broadwayworld.com.

Meanwhile…as producers were holding London’s open auditions recently, we thought we’d have a little fun ourselves and put together our own School of Rock: what we’ve come up with will leave you speechless.

LEAD VOCALS: PRINCE GEORGE & THE WINDSORS

George Rockin' all over the Palace
Prince George….Rockin’ all over the Palace!

Rock rating ***
Cool factor *****
Headbanging **

Prince (George) We have literally no idea whether Prince George can play chords, but apparently he’s got a pair of lungs on him, so we reckon this little Royal Rocker would be awesome on lead guitar/vocals.

RHYTHM GUITAR: CAROL ANNE & THE POLTERGEISTS

"They're Here!!!"
“They’re Here!!!” A little bit Guys…and Dolls.

Rock rating **
Cool factor ****
Headbanging *****

There’s nothing like a movie star to pull in the crowds and although she’s a bit 80s, it would be fun to see how long Carol Anne  could play for before she disappeared into one of the speakers…

BASS: BOBBY & THE FOWLERS

Bobby Eastender
Bobby from Eastenders…killin’ it on Bass Guitar – literally.

Rock rating ***
Cool factor ***
Headbanging *****

We did think about putting him on drums, but figured the less things he has to hit people with the better. There’s still the danger that he might kill the rest of the cast with the guitar cable.

DRUMS: WEE JIMMY & THE KRANKIES

Wee Jimmie Krankie
Fandabeedozeeeeeeeeeee!!!! Let’s Krankie it up to 11!!

Rock rating ***
Cool factor *****
Headbanging *****
With Elaine Paige unavailable, at least we know we still have one pro – Wee Jimmy Krankie – who will fit the costumes. As long as we keep the lights a bit dim, nobody will notice that half the band is now over forty…

Nominated for four Tony© Awards including Best Musical
Running time 2h30m including interval
Recommended for ages 8+

New London Theatre
166 Drury Lane
London WC2B 5PW

Previews from 24 October 2016
on www.fromtheboxoffice.com/SchoolOfRock

Performance Times

Until 5 November
Evenings Monday to Saturday 7.30pm
Matinees Saturday at 2.30pm

From 7 November
Evenings Monday and then Wednesday to Saturday 7.30pm
Matinees Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm Sunday 3pm

Please note that there are no Tuesday performances from 7 November except during the Christmas weeks

Don’t delay! Book tickets NOW for School of Rock The Musical!