Theatre Review: School of Rock at MK Theatre

Rating: ★★★★★

In Summary 

Genre: Musical

Running Dates: 8th - 12th February 

Where to see it: MK Theatre (UK Tour)

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (including 20-minute interval)

Keywords: musical, feel-good show, fun for all the family

The Review

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock the musical has arrived at Milton Keynes, and what a rocking opening night they started with. Back in my teenage years, I was obsessed with the original film, longing to be in the band or to have a substitute teacher as cool as Mr Schneebly. So armed with my rock history and a G&T in hand, I was excited to see one of my favourite childhood films adapted into a stage show performing at Milton Keynes Theatre. 

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Jack Black film version, it’s about a wannabe rock star Dewey Finn (played by Jake Sharp), cast out by his band and finds himself in desperate need of money to pay the rent. He then finds himself posing as a substitute music teacher at an elite prep school, exposing the students to the rock gods he idolises, transforming them into a mind-blowing rock band.

School of Rock the musical has some of the original songs from the 2003 hit film, as well as fourteen new songs created for the musical by Glenn Slater, all of which will leave you wanting to sing along. Throughout the performance you’ll find yourself rooting for Dewey Finn, cheering on the Horace Green kids, disagreeing with Miss Mullins, and hoping that Ned Schneebly eventually stands up to Patty.

If you have children it’s worth bringing them to see School of Rock. It’s an electric show, and I’ll never forget the look of excitement on my stepson’s face when I previously took him to see it while it was on in the West End. 

The standing ovation, cheering and clapping at the end says it all - the show is fantastic. You’ll leave with the songs stuck in your head for weeks, and wishing that you too had a teacher like Mr Schneebly at Horace Green, competing at the battle of the bands.

The Round-Up

See if: You want a fun-feeling show that will get you singing along and wanting to join the band!
Similar to: I found it similar to other uplifting performances such as The Waitress, and Hairspray.

Reviewed by Lisa Bollins - find her on Instagram or her blog

School of Rock will be running at MK Theatre until Saturday 12th Feb, and tickets can be bought over on their website. You can find out where else they’re touring over on the School of Rock website.

Disclaimer: Tickets were given in return for a review.