Ready to rock out with Giz Giz Youth Theatre's School of Rock at The Tivoli. Image - Courtesy of Giz Giz
I have now seen three Aberdeen am-dram shows, and after the first, I figured it was just a standout company. Then came the second. And now this. Turns out, Aberdeen’s local theatre scene is packed with talent.
These shows have reminded me of the incredible local flair the city has. Who needs London when the Granite City’s putting on a show?
School Of Rock, made famous by the 2003 film starring an almighty cast of Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Sarah Silverman and Mike White, is a firm favourite in our household.
Whenever we need a nibble of nostalgia or a kick-ass pick-me-up, School Of Rock comes on. So much so that Jack Black became my not-so-secret crush when I was 11 (still is… shhhh)!
This family fun, eat-your-heart-out AC/DC, quintessential stick-it-to-the-man classic has always brough a smile to my face and the production at The Tivoli Theatre by Giz Giz Youth Theatre did not leave me disappointed.
Have you heard how good School of Rock is? Image - Courtesy of Giz Giz
A washed-up, rock music-loving guy in his mid-30s is hitting rock bottom – no job, no partner, kicked out of his own band, and about to become homeless. But when a phone call meant for his substitute teacher roommate lands in his lap, he has a lightbulb moment: why not pretend to be the teacher?
He fakes his way into a fancy private school and quickly discovers that his students have a surprising talent – they're incredible musicians. And just like that, the plan to turn them into a badass rock band is born, with chaos following suit.
Giz Giz Youth Theatre’s production of School Of Rock: The Musical was nothing short of electrifying.
The role of Dewey Finn – famously high-octane and larger than life – was brought to vivid life by Matthew Tosh, whose performance was bursting with energy and infectious enthusiasm. His unwavering commitment to the role not only captured the spirit of rock but also ignited the ensemble, elevating the entire cast’s performance throughout the show.
Every cast member delivered a standout performance, fully embodying their roles with energy and charisma.
Electrifying performances all round from Giz Giz in School Of Rock. Image - Courtesy of Giz Giz
The principal band performed live on stage, adding an electric authenticity to the production. Max Gray (Zack), Sophie McDonald (Freddie), Zofia Wang Dzialoszynski (Lawrence), and Abbie Morgan (Katie) wowed the crowd with face-melting solos on electric guitar, drums, keyboard, and bass respectively – a true showcase of young musical talent that brought the house down.
And to discover during the interval that Morgan only picked up the bass after being cast as Katie? An absolute showstopper in itself – the cherry on top of an already unforgettable night.
The original songs were preformed effortlessly by the most talented young stars, including Stick It To The Man, Where Did The Rock Go and You’re In The Band.
So much talent on stage as Giz Giz bring the house down with School Of Rock. Imaged - Courtesy of Giz Giz
The whole ensemble was incredible. From Billy’s (Katelyn Webster) extravagant flamboyance and Summer’s (Libby Adam) managerial prowess to school principal Rosalie Mullins’ rigidity and emotion (Lucy Parfitt) and Tomika’s (Mollie-Rose Downie) shyness and vulnerability, the crew was stand-out!
This joyful production was a full-throttle nostalgia trip – complete with show-stopping musical numbers that had me grinning from ear to ear.
It made me want to rush home, dust off the DVD (yes, they still exist!), and relive the original film in all its glory. An outstanding evening of theatre from start to finish!
School Of Rock: The Musical runs at The Tivoli Theatre until Saturday, July 12. You can find more information and tickets via Tivoli Theatre website.
Review by Kate Kenyon