‘Beach Sunrise’ pub painting

On Wednesday 4th March, me and my boyfriend Aaron (along with my friend Denise and her nephew) attended the ‘Remake Learning for Life” council funded free pub painting session at Cast, Doncaster, it was brilliant! ☺️☺️ Here are mine and Aaron’s amateur pub paintings:

We started off with a watery white acrylic background, so the lovely blue and pink hues could blend beautifully. The sand at the bottom was a beige sort of colour, and the ocean turquoise with sparky blue shimmer. White shading was incorporated into the sky sea and sand. Dark green coastal dune plants 🪴 were added, a more realistic jagged coastline, different tones in the sand, a brown wooden fence, and to finish a sailing ⛵️ boat drifting in the distance… this was one of the more simpler pub paintings, as a sort of introduction for new pub painters on this free event. Aaron really enjoyed it! 😁 In fact, I think even though he’s only a beginner, he did just as well, if not better than me! I love the abstract feeling of his, the brightness, and his gorgeous vibrant stormy sky ❤️

Thank you so much for taking the time to view/read 😁😁 Many more blog posts to come soon including; diamond arts, mandala colourings, a cross-stitch, another pub painting, travel descriptions and theatre reviews 💕💕

Lots of love, Lauren xx

© 2026 Lauren Parr / https://unicornpostbox.com

Hull Valentine’s Weekend 2026

On Friday 13th February 2026, me and my boyfriend Aaron travelled to Hull to celebrate Valentine’s weekend; a lovely romantic get-away for us both 😊

Unfortunately, our train to Hull was cancelled so my Dad kindly drove us to our city central Gilson Hotel, which was standard but satisfactory. In the afternoon we had a leisurely wander around the city centre, including shopping centres; Prospect, Princes Quay and St Stephen’s, where we grabbed a veggie whopper Burger King meal

That evening, we hopped in an uber to Big Fun – a soft play area which accommodates for a Friday night 2 hour slot ‘adult night’ serving alcohol 🍸 It was amazing! We had vodka slushies in ‘happy hour’ and cider and felt like right big kids skirting around tunnels ball pools and slides 🤪🤪

Saturday morning, I had a vegan breakfast at the nearest Wetherspoons. Afterwards, we explored free cultural exhibitions / museums. First of all, Ferens Art 🎨 Gallery in Queen Victoria Square “From late Medieval painting to modern art… a journey through painting, sculpture and new media”. It was aesthetically pleasing, intriguing and inspiring, with all it’s different collections and galleries. Then it was to the Streetlife Museum to “journey through 200 years of transport history… from world-changing inventions to historic local icons”. I particularly liked the steam-powered cars, they were giving Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang vibes 😁 Next was the Museum of Archeology “From majestic mammoths to marvellous Roman mosaics”. History expanding 235 million years. In the Museum Quarter gardens I also liked the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and the mosaic toad. We then visited Hull Minster; England’s largest parish church ⛪️ The architecture was absolutely beautiful and breathtaking 😍

As we made our way back to the hotel, we took a detour and climbed the steps of Murdoch’s Connection footbridge to capture spectacular views and photographs of the waterfront marina and docks…

Back at the hotel, I got dressed into my gladrags and we grabbed an uber again, this time to the very much looking forward to Olympus Greek restaurant 😋😋 Me and Aaron shared a feta dip starter, smooth creamy whipped feta cheese 🧀 with accompanying pita bread and for mains we both had halloumi and veg platters; grilled halloumi skewers, chips, side salad, pita bread and mixed vegetables. The food was absolutely delicious 😋😋 Though I do wish we were able to dance to Greek live music 🎶 and smash plates! 😆

What then commenced was a great night out round Hull! At the Dram Shop we drank cheap Dark Fruit cider, vaped and danced merrily to classic rock. There were drag queen performances at Cherry’s Bar and cheeky sex position games 😲 – well it was Valentine’s Day! 😄 It was absolutely hilarious at the karaoke 🎤 bar across the road. I sang my deep female voice renditions of ‘What’s Up?’ (4NonBlondes), ‘Because the Night’ (Patti Smith) and ‘I love rock ‘n roll’ (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts), but the star of the show… there was a guy who sang The Little Mermaid 🧜‍♀️ song ‘Part of Your World’, he really knew how to work the crowd, singing directly to others and getting them to participate, then following that, and in keeping with the release of the new Wuthering Heights film adaptation he sang Kate Bush’s ‘Wuthering Heights’! 😆 It was so incredibly funny, singing in her high pitch, and me, being completely trolleyed at this point, swaying along in all Kate’s quirky mannerisms 😁. It was absolutely packed in the next bar, and I was pretty intoxicated at this point, so Aaron persuaded us to head back to the hotel as the drinks 🍸 were extortionate too!

The next morning, the plan was to store our luggage and go see the new Wuthering Heights film at the vue cinema 🎥 in Princes Quay, however, as we were both hangin’ and feeling rough we decided to travel home early instead. We had some trouble with our tickets at the train station 🚉 but I’m not going to get into that ( I’ve written a complaint letter to Transpennine Express).. On returning home, I spent the remainder of the day napping 😴 lol

It was a truly enjoyable weekend 😄 As a city, I really like Hull, it has a lot to offer.. especially with the Hull fair once a year and it’s popular theatres etc. It is no surprise to me it was awarded City of Culture 2017…

For my blog posts over the next few months, I have three diamond 💎 arts 🎨 to complete, two pub paintings booked, a cross-stitch to have a go at, and a mandala colouring collection. Furthermore, in April, me and my wonderful Grandma, who soon turns 89 bless her, are travelling to Llandudno, Wales with Buckleys travel holidays. I am so excited!  I have never been to Scotland, Ireland or Wales so I can’t wait! There is a mystery tour and a tour of the Isle of Anglesey and Llanberis Pass 😍 So watch this space!

Thank you as ever for reading/viewing. Much love, Lauren xx

Information gained from following sources:

http://www.hullmuseums.co.uk (Accessed 21st February 2026)

http://www.hullminster.org (Accessed 21st February 2026)

http://www.matterarchitecture.uk (Accessed 21st February 2026)

http://www.olympusgreekrestaurant.co.uk (Accessed 21st February 2026)

© 2026 Lauren Parr / https://unicornpostbox.com

‘Elegant Swans’ pub painting

Hi everyone! My first post in 2026! Progression photos of two ‘elegant swans’ amateur pub painting 🎨 Hope you enjoy! 🐦 🐦

We started off by painting watery white acrylic paint all over the canvas, so that the gorgeous pink, blue and consequently purple tones would flow and blend beautifully 😍 The outline of the two swans first resembled masquerade masks I thought. We tried to create a ‘love heart’ shaped silhouette as sort between them, with their curved necks, and the head / body in proportion to this. White reflections were incorporated in the waters below, as were cute green lily pads and pink lotus flowers 💐 💗 Thick brush strokes built up the white of the swans feathers, with metallic blue for definition. The beaks were gold metallic. The trickiest of all was using our small brush and black acrylic paint to mark out the delicate facial features… this is actually one of my favourite pub paintings ever! The pastel colours are lovely, and very reminiscent of our art teacher’s commissioned snowman ⛄️, which was part of the recent Doncaster’s Christmas Snowman trail.. and here is the finished piece:

For my next project, I am on with a diamond art 💎🎨 of me and my boyfriend Aaron. I also have a Highland Cow and colourful eye diamond art to complete, a chameleon cross stitch (the first I’ve ever done) and a collection of mandala/mindfulness themed designs I’m colouring with promarker pens. Travel wise, I am also soon visiting Hull with my partner… so watch this space 😜😜

Thank you as ever for viewing/reading, much love, Lauren xx

© 2026 Lauren Parr / https://unicornpostbox.com

“A Christmas Carol” production and Manchester Christmas market

This year, me and my boyfriend Aaron were a little bored and fed up with all the samey seasonal pantomimes, so instead, we decided to travel to Bolton on Monday 22nd of December to it’s lovely Octagon Theatre in the town centre, to watch their adaptation of the Charles Dickens 1843 novella classic “A Christmas Carol” 🎄🎄 It was absolutely phenomenal 😊 We also attended Manchester Christmas market, which was truly magical 🌟🌟 I hope you enjoy this theatre/travel blog post! 💕

Mine and Aaron’s original seats were diagonal, one of us in front and slightly to the side, E28 and F26, however a seat became available so thankfully we were able to sit together. The show itself was absolutely superb 💕

There are countless retellings of “A Christmas Carol” in 20th century cinematic history and popular culture, many of which adopt the protagonist’s surname, Scrooge. You needn’t be particularly familiar with the story to have heard the phrase “bah-humbug”, or be knowledgeable of poor little Tiny Tim; “God bless us, every one!”. I have only recently in fact just watched “A Muppet’s Christmas Carol”, which I thought was fantastic 😀 Like many Christmas tales, “A Christmas Carol” exists to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas 🎄 Good will to all men, the importance of kind generosity, warmth, love and consideration of other less fortunate people’s plights.

I was so impressed by the Octagon Theatre’s retelling of “A Christmas Carol”. It perfectly encapsulated the dark gothic Victorian gloom alongside the contrasting dancing, cheer and comedic merriment; accommodating also a family friendly modern audience. Director Sarah Tipple says this is a ‘testament to its enduring appeal and the power of the ideas at its heart” (official programme).

The central character, Ebenezer Scrooge, played by the brilliant David Birrell, delivered a stunning performance; serious and moody, sharp and caustically witty

The Octagon Theatre is in fact a “theatre-in-the-round”, I believe the creative team, particularly the set and costume designer, Hannah Wolfe, used this to her full advantage. The props were playful in the sense that they were whizzed in and out in all directions; a continuing movement and replacement of scenery; like organised chaos. It was rather impressive, as too were the costume changes, much of the cast playing more than one role

The most horror ridden element of the production, in my opinion, was the apparition of Jacob Marley, depicted by understudy Mark Paterson. Matley appears to Scrooge warning him of an afterlife of chains and shackles should he not make effort to change his selfish ways “I wear the chains I forged in life” (Marley). It is explained Scrooge shall soon be visited by three spirits; the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present and the ominous, silent Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come. Children in the audience were visibly frightened by Marley, with his terrifying skeletal mask and spooky stage wanderings.

An interesting retelling, the Ghost of Christmas Past in this adaptation is also Scrooge’s deceased younger beloved sister Fran, usually the spirit is portrayed by an androgynous candle light flickering figure, or a sometimes a woman. The Ghost of Christmas Past’s costume was absolutely divine; glitter and gorgeous sparkle ✨️ from head to toe, worn beautifully by actress Hannah Brown. We see through past memories how close Fran and Scrooge were growing up, how devastated he was when she died and how disappointed the now spirit Fran is of how Scrooge’s once kind compassionate nature has altered completely to a cruel and nasty disposition; a stern, bitter, no feeling, miserable old bachelor: “If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population”

Scrooge was actually of course betrothed to the beautiful Belle. Ironically, his ambition to  “make something of himself “, and to climb the ladder of success in his chosen profession,  seeking financial stability to guarantee a stable future for them both, in the midst of it all, he sadly loses Belle’s affections, and so loses the love of his life. Belle terminates the engagement, a memory which still mentally haunts Scrooge. It is almost too painful to see how besotted with Belle Scrooge is at Mr Fezziwig’s (Scrooge’s former employer) annual Christmas party, and how blissful his life could have been with her. Belle is played by Lucy Keirl, who also takes on the role of Christmas Present. In other cinematic versions of “A Christmas Carol”, I recall the Ghost of Christmas Present predominantly to be a big benevolent jolly Santa Claus kind of figure. Not in the Bolton Octagon Theatre production!  Keirl is a right little punk lass! With red tartan pants, a scooter and a confident spunky attitude to match… also, amusingly, she has an obsession for food or specifically Christmas pudding 😆

In the present, Scrooge is shown Christmas day at the Cratchit’s. (Cratchit is Scrooge’s long suffering and faithful employee – played by Mark Peterson, understudy). Only a small bird is roasting, but nevertheless the Cratchit’s are a family full of “joy and solace in each other” (Sarah Tipple, Director). It is evident however that Tiny Tim is not well in health 😢 Scrooge is also, in the present, given a window into the world of his nephew Fred (Conor Neaves), who in this version so desperately wishes to have a better relationship with his uncle, and longs to celebrate the holiday season with him, as a proper family. Neaves has an outstanding powerful singing voice and oozed charisma throughout

It was a child in a hooded sweater who portrayed the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come.  He personifies death, yet was nowhere near as petrifying as the Jacob Marley apparition, though I fear a deep black garment shrouded grim reeper archetype might have been a step too far for a family audience. Fortunately for Scrooge, the future revelation of his name on a gravestone, local folk not mourning but actually celebratory of his death is only a shadow of what COULD be. Upon awakening, Scrooge is redeemed, delirious and delighted “as merry as a school boy… as light as a feather… as happy as an angel…as giddy as a drunken man”, with a new found determination to be a better employer and friend to all in his community. An epic story which promotes empathy, charity and social responsibility; teaching close human relationships triumph always material wealth.

The choreographer and movement director Gemma Payne did an amazing job of bringing completely uplifting dance compositions, astounding lyrics and songs from composer Susannah Pearse, also arranger and orchestrator Rebecca Applin offered great musical vibrancy. Not at all forgetting the genius writing of Kate Ferguson; a spoken word performer and renowned dramaturg and playwright…

… I absolutely adored it! 😁😁

Unfortunately our train from Bolton to Manchester Piccadilly was cancelled so we hopped in an uber to our Britannia Saches Hotel, near Piccadilly Gardens. A quick change and we were out 💕💕

I was at first hugely disappointed as it seemed the Christmas market in Piccadilly Gardens was  coming to a close and we feared we had missed out on the experience. We were however directed to the Albert Square market which was extended into the new year. It was magnificent 😄😄 There were cute quirky Christmas stalls and crafts, handmade gifts, ornaments, traditional wooden chalets, mulled wine, ale, Dutch pancakes, bratwurst german sausages (I didn’t eat im a veggie/vegan lol), a merry-go-round, a festive ferris wheel, unbelievable light decorations, all you would hope for 🥰🥰 I bought a unique quirky wooden personalised Rudolph reindeer and a wooden snowman gift for my mum’s grave 💕

Afterwards, we had our tea at a local Nandos and had a few alcoholic drinks in the Northern Quarter 😜😜 Excellent live music 🎶 from a duo in The Freemount, and an acoustic guitar 🎸 playing songstress in Mothers of Invention.  We also had one in an Irish bar but it was pretty pricey! The next morning we had  beaut vegan breakfasts at Moose Coffee; two vegan sausage patties, caramelised onion, smoked vegan Applewood cheese, fresh tomato, in a brioche bun, with homemade potato hash on the side, and two soya lattes Delicious 😋 .. It was a quick photograph with the impressive “Stranger Things” themed tree in Manchester Piccadilly station and a direct train back home to Doncaster 😄

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my latest theatre and travel blog post, your support means so much! I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas 🎄🎄 Mine was wonderful and the first Aaron spent with me and my family 🥰🥰 Look out for new blog posts in the coming year, art/craft and theatre/travel related! Have an amazing new year! Love, Lauren xx

(All information obtained from official programme and direct quotes)

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

‘Little Unicorn’ diamond art

Hi there 😊 My latest UnicornPostbox blog post is progression photos of a simple cute unicorn diamond art…hope you enjoy! 🦄🦄

This was a very simple diamond art 💎 🎨 which did not take me very long to complete at all compared to my usually extremely intricate and time consuming ones.. however, it was a  welcome relief to have a smaller project for a change, and I think it has turned out rather cute 💕💕 Here is the finished piece:

I still have a few diamond arts to complete, I am not so sure now I will get them done before Christmas 🎄🎄 But, on a happier note, rather than going to a pantomime this year, me and my lovely boyfriend Aaron are travelling to Bolton, near Manchester, to see their adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’; the story I have always absolutely adored 💓💓 So please keep a look out for a Christmas theatre review!

Thank you as ever for taking the time to read/view 💕 Merry Christmas, love from Lauren xx

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

‘Sydney the Stag’ pub painting

Hi followers! My latest UnicornPostbox blog post is progression photos of an amateur Christmas pub painting winter stag, hope you like! 🥰🥰

We began by outlining the shape of where the stag’s head would be, a sort of love heart, with leaf like ears and a delicate graceful neck. We proceeded to paint the background a gorgeous glittery gold. Flecks of white paint were dotted about to give the illusion of snowdrops. Strong curved brown antlers were constructed, with white paint highlights.  Left then was to add detail to the stag’s face, a cute golden mushroom nose, black girlie eyelash flicks, golden inner ears, soft light brown strokes to distinguish the fur etc, the face was also puffed out to more of an oval shape, more accurate a portrayal … and here is the finished painting:

This was a relatively simple and very enjoyable pub painting 😊😊 I chose a unisex name, Sydney, as I realise stags are male but I think she looks very feminine so shall identify as female! 😄😄 I think she’s rather adorable 🥰

For my next UnicornPostbox blog post, I am on with a unicorn diamond art 💎 🎨 but I hope to do a few more before Christmas 🎄 and maybe other creative endeavours too, so watch this space 😜😜

Thank you as always for taking the time to read/view, it is very much appreciated 🥰 Lots of love, Lauren xx

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

‘Highland Cow’ punch needle project

Hi there! 😊😊 My latest UnicornPostbox blog post is progression photos of my first ever punch needling project; a cute Highland Cow 🐄🐄 Hope you like!

I must admit, it was slightly tricky at first to get the hang of punch needling, the method, as I have never done it before! My idea was that it’d be an easy introduction to embroidery, as a beginner friendly craft. Once I got familiar with the guide; how to install the embroidery hoop, thread the yarn properly, remembering to punch the needle all the way through, poking in a consistent direction etc, it was relatively straight forward getting into the rhythm of it. Any mistakes can be quickly rectified anyway by pulling back the yarn a little and redoing that particular poke. Here is the finished result:

I am pretty satisfied with my first punch needle attempt! In hindsight, it might have been better to have chosen a design less intricate. With a simpler design and larger segments for example it might have been easier to learn. Also, I believe I will obtain more therapeutic enjoyment i.e. the associative stress relieving effects with more basic a pattern, as they’d be more repetitive movements. Hopefully I will get a few bought for Christmas 🎄🎄😜😜 and I might even progress onto more difficult embroidery! 💕💕

For my next UnicornPostbox blog post, I have a Christmas ‘Winter Stag’ pub painting 🎨🎨 next Saturday! I am also going to make a start on my next diamond art 💎, which will probably be my unicorn one 🦄🦄

Thank you as always for checking out my blog 💕💕 Lots of love, Lauren xx

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

‘Haunted Castle’ diamond art

Hi everyone! My latest UnicornPostbox blog post is progression photos of a ‘haunted castle ‘ diamond art 💎 🎨 Hope you enjoy!

I really enjoyed doing this diamond art! I have a few more to do before I am likely to be bought more for Christmas 🎄 haha 🤣 including a unicorn, a colourful eye and one of me and my boyfriend Aaron 🥰🥰 Hopefully I can get them done in time as they are very time consuming! Here is the finished haunted castle:

For my next UnicornPostbox blog post, I have done my first ever Highland Cow punch needle project! So keep a look out for a new blog post coming very soon! 🐄🐄

Thank you as ever for taking the time to read/view. Much love, Lauren xx 💕💕

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

Halloween celebrations 2025 🎃🎃

Hi everyone! This UnicornPostbox blog post is a description of my Halloween happenings this year, with accompanying photography.. hope you enjoy! 😄😄🎃🎃

On Monday 27th October, me, my boyfriend Aaron and friends Matty, Robyn, Rosie, Emma, and Emma’s teenage son Lucas attended Yorkshire Wildlife Park for their Spooktacular half-term Halloween event. Dotted around the park were creepy characters and frightful props, stations etc, it was great! 😄 I loved smashing pumpkins, and taking photos of the impressive spooky scenery. Of course, we also had the opportunity to see all the incredible animals. I was particularly excited to see the sea lions, as the last time I visited YWP, they were having essential maintenance on their exhibit. We took some photos of all the amazing animals! 🥰🥰 I liked the giraffes 🦒 and tigers 🐅 most of all 💕

On Tuesday 28th October, I attended the Halloween themed pub painting, with my friend Denise at BRIX coffee house, Doncaster. We both dressed up as witches! 🧙‍♀️🧙‍♀️

To start with, we painted a washy white on the canvas, incorporating then blues and yellows. The acrylic paint was glow in the dark, so it looked fantastic in the dark with fluorescent lights! More purple and pink hues were added to the background, and white stars created, with dots and paint flicks, as well as adding a crescent 🌙 moon. The grass was more of a deep blue than green, with white shades for definition. The hardest part was the witch 🧙‍♀️ herself, trying to get her proportions correct. Mine has a sort of an hourglass figure, whilst other people’s were more skinny or more curvaceous ladies. White paint was used once more for body definition, and to depict her wavy hair and crooked witch hat 🧙‍♀️

On Saturday 1st November 2025, me and my boyfriend Aaron and a big group of my friends attended a local pub, The Beverly, for a Halloween fancy dress disco and karaoke party 🥳 Me and Aaron went as Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf 🐺 Everyone complemented us on our outfits, but to be fair, there were some outstanding costumes! It was pretty scary too 😱 as some staff in costumes were chasing people, dressed as like Michael Myers or Art the clown 🤡 Arrghhh! Me and Aaron also went round town afterwards but it was literally dead 😱 Still such an enjoyable evening though!

Thank you as ever for taking the time to read/view 🥰🥰 For my next UnicornPostbox blog post, I am on with a gothic castle diamond  art 💎🎨 and also my first ever punch needle project!

Much love, Lauren xx

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

“School of Rock: The Musical”

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