ACCUSE me of living in a cave for the past 15 years if you like, but I’ve not seen the 2003 classic film School of Rock staring Jack Black.
Teesdale School performed its stage adaption last week but it mattered not one jot that I hadn’t watched the original because the show put on at the town school made for wonderful viewing from start to end. School of Rock tells the story of Dewey Finn, (played by Cal Baker) who impersonates his teacher friend, Ned Schneebly (Jake Knight) and lands a job at an elite school.
The curriculum goes out of the window and the fake Mr Schneebly teaches the kids about life, how to “stick it to the man” and how to rock and roll.
It’s a heartwarming and funny tale, which was ably carried off the school’s cast. The tale culminates in his students triumphing in a battle of band contest against the odds. Romance blossoms between the lead pair, the fake Mr Schneebly and the school’s uptight principle (Bethany Windle).
At the interval it was Cal’s performance that lingered in the memory. The young actor who has impressed during Castle Player productions was superb – full of zest and humour.If he was the glue that stuck it all together, Bethany provided the glitter. Her voice was stunning.
There were plenty of other standout performances, including fellow Castle Player Ethan Rawlins who played a variety of roles. There’s not enough space here to name everyone in the 59-strong cast but that’s not to diminish their efforts and talent.
It’s been a while since I’ve been to see a school production and I wasn’t expecting something so polished with just the one or two hiccups.
Music teacher Sally McGrath explained it was the result was months of hard work.
She added: “We’ve been working on it since September, although we had a break for Christmas. Much of the music was provided by them and they have organised all the props; everything. They can be really proud of this.”
