Are you ready to enroll in the School of Rock?

School of Rock opened at Plymouth's Theatre Royal yesterday and it certainly didn't disappoint! I took my eight year-old daughter with me to see the performance and get her opinion. It was her first proper show and in her words: "It was AMAZING!"

Jake Sharp shone in the role of Dewey Finn, bringing talent and humour in droves. A wannabe rock star who spends his life sponging off his long-term friend Ned, Dewey is kicked out of his band before the Battle of the Bands final. With no job to pay his rent, he spots an opportunity to impersonate Ned and teach at the prestigious Horace Green School - making money to pay his dues. Little does Dewey know that these aren't just any kids... 

The entire cast of School of Rock, from the youngest to the adult performers, boasts an incredible array of talent. In yesterday's show, our child rockers were Harry Churchill as Zack on electric guitar, Eva McGrath as Freddy on drums, Daisy Hanna as Katie on bass guitar and Angus McDougall as Lawrence on keyboard. They wowed us throughout with their confidence and ability. 

The rest of the young cast included, amongst others, Layla Pages who performed impeccably as Summer, and Souparnika Nair who filled the theatre with the most stunning a capella rendition of Amazing Grace. The rambunctious applause nearly raised the roof! 

Of course, no performance of School of Rock would be complete without Rosalie Mullins, headteacher extraordinaire who has hidden her love of rock music in pursuit of her career. Rebecca Lock was outstanding, with the most incredible vocals. 

A show that will please all ages (recommended from 8 upwards), School of Rock is a musical delight that will give you goosebumps, especially the solos and the final performance... Highly recommended!

School of Rock runs until Saturday 7 May at Plymouth's Theatre Royal. Book your tickets at https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/school-of-rock/  

By Joanne Mallard