The musical School of Rock is heading for London’s West End
School of Rock launched in December 2015 at the Winter Garden Theater on Broadway and has smashed Broadway box office records taking more than $1.5 million in Christmas week. Despite mixed reviews the show in London looks odds on to be a sure fire hit.
The musical based on the hit 2003 Jack Black film had previously been expected to open at the 2,286 capacity London Palladium this year. However, reports now suggest that the show is heading to the smaller 1,024 seater New London theatre. The New London theatre was famously home to Lloyd Webbers smash hit musical Cats for 21 years. The atmosphere and potential staging at the New London theatre, where cats played in the round, seems more suited to the stage adaptation of The School of Rock musical, with the performers in much closer proximity – it promises to be a real rock treat.
Andrew Lloyd Webber has launched a production team to scour the UK in search of a classroom full of talent for his latest West End show. With an initial requirement for a cast of 39 child performers who will sing, dance, act and play their own instruments as the hit musical’s unexpectedly talented school class.
School Of Rock tells the story of Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who finds himself out of his depth, teaching at a very posh school. Discovering previously unknown musical talent in his class, he enlists his pupils in a Battle of the Bands competition.
The new musical, features music by Lloyd Webber and a book by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes.
Speaking about his new show, Lloyd Webber said: “I had forgotten what it was to have this kind of hit. It is particularly great as we have no star names and we are witnessing personal triumphs for our brilliant kids and for Alex Brightman as Dewey, the role made famous by Jack Black”.
The show in London is expected to open in the spring of 2017. Tickets will be available from showsinlondon.ukds.co
Rehearshals will be in London and children aged from 8 to 12 who can sing and play guitar, bass, piano or drums are encouraged to apply for an audition at auditions.schoolofrockthemusical.com
Lord Lloyd-Webber said: “This is a big fishing expedition. We need brilliantly talented children who can act, sing and play rock instruments”.
