On Thursday evening, 23rd October 2025, me, my boyfriend Aaron, and close friends Matty, Robyn, Emma and Emma’s teenage son Lucas, attended Doncaster Cast theatre to see the eagerly awaited Phoenix Theatre Company’s next generation “School of Rock” musical production 🎶 🎵 It was epic!

The show is based on the 2003 paramount film of the same name, starring rock icon Jack Black. A commercial and critical success, with a worldwide gross of 130 million dollars. Featuring rock classics from legends such as; Led Zeppelin, ACDC, David Bowie, The Clash, Deep Purple, The Who, Stevie Nicks, Cream, T-Rex, The Ramones, etc.

The film inspired and was in fact adapted into a dynamic stage musical, premiering in 2015 on Broadway, New York and later showcased in the West End, London. Andrew Lloyd Webber, a talented and highly distinguished creater, composed the production’s music, collaborating with lyricist Glenn Slater, and Jullian Fellows being the original author creative. The production features recognisable songs such as; “I’m too hot for you”, “When I climb to the top of mount rock”, “You’re in the band”, “If only you would listen”, and “Stick it to the man”

The story: Dewey Finn is the epitome of a “struggling musician”. Lazy, unstable, with no regular income or means to contribute towards his rent in his best friend Ned Shneebly/ Shneebly’s partner Patty Di Marco’s apartment. Deceivingly, he impersonates Ned, adopting the role as Mr Shneebly, a substitute teacher at Horace Green, a prestigious school. Although, at first, Dewey only endeavours to receive a wallop of cash for his pretend teachings, engaging no particular effort to teach anything, and encouraging the children to “chill” and take recess, on discovering their musical talents, overhearing a music class, Dewey devises a plan to secretly turn his students into ultimate rock stars; igniting a passion for music in them, encouraging them to embrace their individuality, creative flair, and adopt a rebellious rock star attitude, sticking it to the man! The end mission? Win the aclaimed “Battle of the Bands”, so Dewey can finally pay his overdue rent, yippee!

The stand out actor for me in the Phoenix Theatre Company production was Jack Hodgson himself as protagonist Dewey Finn. It was a huge honour for Hodgson to play Dewey, as he grew up idolising Jack Black and his fantastic band “Tenacious D”. He put in great effort, even having to learn how to play guitar 🎸 for the role. He was an absolute genius on stage, performing perfectly all Jack Black’s quirks, idiosyncrasies and mannerisms.

The adult cast were remarkably impressive. Emma Oates, who played principle Rosalie Mullins, has an outstanding voice. However, to be fair, all the actors were incredible, and the children especially were just phenomenal, some of the Horace Green prep school actually playing instruments live on stage! Hugh Ryan, aged 14, playing guitar as Zack, Jared Farmer, aged 12, playing the drums as Freddy, Finley Christian, aged 12, playing the keyboard as Lawrence and Kate Gibson, aged 12, playing the bass guitar 🎸 as Katie. Issabelle Small also did amazing in her role as bossy Summer, and Dusty Wheeler absolutely astonished with her vocals depicting the shy to sassy Tomika, her rendition of “Amazing Grace” simply gorgeous. Her dad was actually sat behind us in the theatre, and he was so incredibly proud as we engaged in conversation with him and he kept shouting “That’s my girl!”. One very poignant moment, towards the end of the production, where the children’s actor parents stand in the audience, to observe the culminatory spectacular “Battle of the Bands” song, Dusty Wheeler’s dad radiated real natural pride and raw emotion

Very impressively, last year, the Phoenix Theatre Company’s “Elf: The Musical” won the Salver for NODA’s North East Region best-all round production, 2024. So “School of Rock” had a lot to work up to!

From the official programme: “This prestigious accolade recognises not only the quality of the show itself, but the passion, dedication, and teamwork behind the scenes…This achievement is a true team effort, and we are deeply grateful to our cast, crew, creative team, and loyal audiences who continue to support and inspire us”

The very same could be said of “School of Rock “. It marks the director, Ian Walker’s fifth production with Doncaster Phoenix, and he has already began preparations for next year’s highly anticipated “Priscilla: Queen of the Desert”…

I am confident it will be, like “Elf: The Musical” and “School of Rock: The Musical”, a roaring success! ROCK ON!

All information obtained from the Phoenix Theatre Company’s School of Rock: The Musical official programme

© 2025 Lauren Parr / https://unicornpostbox.com