THE FRONT ROW

Few shows manage to harness the rebellious spirit of rock and the sweetness of children quite like School of Rock. York Stage’s production, adapted from the West End and originally crafted by Andrew Lloyd Webber, takes the tried and true formula of a lovable loser who empowers kids through music, and serves it with a mix of energy, enthusiasm, and youthful exuberance. With a live band of child musicians and standout performances from seasoned leads, the production brings both heart and humour to the stage. However, some areas could benefit from polish—particularly in consistency with accents, the sound and on the night production, and delivery of iconic lines.

James Robert Ball as Ned Schneebly: A Playful if Inconsistent Performance

Let’s start with James Robert Ball, playing the geeky Ned Schneebly. While Ball captures the playful essence of Ned with a light-hearted presence on stage, his portrayal is hampered slightly by an inconsistent accent. While his comic timing and physicality make the role fun, the wavering accent detracts slightly from the immersion, leaving you aware at times that this is indeed a British actor playing an American role. It’s a small critique for what is otherwise a highly entertaining performance, but in a professional setting like the Grand Opera House, it’s noticeable.

Ball’s Ned brings the laughs and his chemistry with Dewey Finn is evident. His playful awkwardness contrasts nicely with the brash, over-the-top Dewey, and Ball has a solid sense of comic timing that elevates his scenes.

Megan Waite as Principal Mullins: A Star in Every Sense

Without question, Megan Waite steals the show as Principal Mullins. From the moment she steps on stage, she commands attention—not just with her acting but with her remarkable vocals. Mullins is a tricky character: part strict school head, part repressed rock lover. Waite plays this balance perfectly, making Mullins believable and relatable. She sings with power and precision, particularly in the emotional ballads that give her character more depth than the film did. Waite’s transformation from uptight principal to someone rediscovering her love for rock music is a joy to watch, and she portrays the character with heart and authenticity.

Her rendition of Where Did The Rock Go? is one of the show’s musical highlights, leaving the audience spellbound. It’s moments like these that make Waite the clear standout in the adult cast.

The Children: The Real Rock Stars

The true soul of School of Rock is its band of young performers, and York Stage’s cast of children does not disappoint. Playing live instruments on stage is no small feat, but these talented kids rise to the challenge with confidence and skill. Their ability to not just act but also play instruments live adds an authentic energy to the performance. There’s a true sense of camaraderie among them, and their youthful energy is contagious.

Charlie Jewison as Zack: Understated but Powerful

As Zack, Charlie Jewison delivers a subtle but effective performance. He doesn’t overplay the role, instead capturing Zack’s quiet, somewhat introverted nature beautifully. When it comes to guitar playing, however, Jewison shines. His solos are impressive, and while his vocal performance might not steal the show, it is solid enough to carry the character’s emotional journey.

Daniel Tomlin as Lawrence: A Scene-Stealer

If there’s one young performer who commands attention, it’s Daniel Tomlin as Lawrence, the shy but talented keyboardist. Tomlin’s portrayal of Lawrence is full of charm and sincerity, turning what could have been a background role into one of the night’s highlights. His comedic timing, along with his skillful piano playing, showcases his versatility as a performer. Tomlin has the rare ability to deliver both heartfelt and humorous moments with ease, and he truly shines in every scene he’s in.

Matilda Park as Katie: A Rock Star in the Making

As the bassist, Katie, Matilda Park channels the attitude and rebelliousness of the character perfectly. From her body language to her moody expressions, she’s clearly having fun in the role and delivers it with conviction. Park’s bass playing is commendable, bringing the necessary rock-and-roll vibe to the stage. She embodies the spirit of the character and serves as a strong anchor for the band’s overall dynamic.

Zach Denison as Freddie: Drumming Up Energy

Zach Denison’s portrayal of Freddie, the drummer, is brimming with natural talent. He looks like he was born to play the part, and his drumming skills are equally impressive. Denison brings energy and flair to his performance, ensuring that Freddie is as lively and fun as the film version. His character exudes confidence, and Denison’s stage presence makes him a natural fit for the role.

Team Gibson: A Night of Impressive Youth Performances

On the night we attended, “Team Gibson” was on stage, and several performances stood out. Lyrah Thompson as Marcy is a stage natural. Her expressions and delivery suggest a seasoned performer far beyond her years, and she delivers each line with precision and flair. Theo Raye as Billy was another standout, providing much of the evening’s comic relief. His timing and comedic expressions were spot-on, making Billy’s flamboyant character a crowd favorite.

Eady Mensah as Tomika delivered the most powerful vocals of the night. Her rendition of Amazing Grace was a genuine showstopper, and it’s easy to see why she’s considered one of the production’s standout talents.

Finn East as Dewey Finn: A Tough Role, but a Solid Performance

Finn East had the unenviable task of stepping into the shoes of Jack Black, who made the role of Dewey Finn iconic. While East doesn’t quite match the manic energy and improvisational style of Black, he does a commendable job of making the character his own. His Dewey is more restrained, and while this sometimes leads to a slightly muted delivery of Jack Black’s famous lines, East shines in the show’s original material.

What East brings to the role is a genuine passion for rock music, which comes across in his interactions with the children. His chemistry with the young cast feels authentic, and he handles the chaotic energy of Dewey Finn with ease. Though his comedic timing could occasionally use a bit more punch, East brings enough charm to win over the audience.

Verdict: A Must-See for Fans of Fun, Music, and Talent

York Stage’s School of Rock is a delightful, high-energy production that offers plenty of laughs, heart, and, of course, rock music. While there are some minor hiccups that can definitely be finessed, the show excels in its musical performances, especially from the children. Megan Waite’s stellar vocals and the young cast’s instrumental prowess make this a production worth seeing, whether you’re a fan of the original film or just love a good musical.

York Stage’s School of Rock proves that even though the adults might get top billing, the kids are the true rock stars.