York Light Youth are celebrating their 10th anniversary and bringing a musical premiere to York – as they stage School of Rock next month.
The production is unique as it features a cast of equal numbers of young performers, aged 10-17, and adults who regularly perform with York Light Opera Company – as well as some very talented musicians, of course.
School of Rock is at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre from Wednesday 8 to Saturday 11 November.
Based on the 2003 hit film of the same name, School of Rock follows Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who decides to make a bit of cash teaching at a prestigious prep school.
Once there, Dewey soon discovers that his students haven’t a clue about rock and roll, and vows to mould them into a rock band to enter the Batle of the Bands competiton. Along the way, Dewey finds romance, self-worth, a proper job, and – most importantly – teaches the children and their parents the beauty of rock.
Tackling the relentless lead role of Dewey Finn is Jonny Holbek, opposite leading lady Emma Dickinson playing formidable Headteacher Rosalie Mullins.
Flynn Coultous and Georgia Foster take on the roles of Ned Schneebly (Dewey’s long-suffering flatmate) and his girlfriend, Patty Di Marco.
The show is directed by Sue Hawksworth, with assistant director Gavin Shaw and musical director Martin Lay.
School of Rock is unique among musicals as not just one, but two bands play live on stage! The adult on stage band features cast members and musicians Jonny Holbek, Mat Tapp, Ant Pengally and Kathryn Lay, along with musicians Ben Huntley on guitar and Mike Hampton on drums.
The kids’ band consists of four exceptionally talented young musicians – on keys is BBC’s ‘Young Chorister of the Year’ 2022 finalist Sam Brophy, guitarist Ollie Lee who won Minster FM’s ‘Battle of the Bands’ in 2019, double bassist Bella Smith who took up the instrument less than a year ago, and drummer Finley Walters who opened the RSL Virtual Music Festival in 2021 with a solo drum performance.
School of Rock is a celebration of music, friendship, and the power of self-expression – don’t miss York’s premiere of this rock ‘n’ roll show.
Tickets for School of Rock start from £16 and are available via the Joseph Rowntree Theatre website.