Last week, Woodham Academy students performed the cult musical ‘School of Rock’ to delighted audiences. Students were devastated when the previous week’s snow meant that the show had to be cancelled. Fortunately, it was possible to reschedule and ensure that tickets were transferred.
Those familiar with the film ‘School of Rock’ will know the story. Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star, poses as his housemate to accept a job as a cover teacher. He enters his class into the Battle of the Bands and teaches them to rock, whilst trying to keep his identify secret. Sonny Fielding, who played the part of Dewey, said that the role was a dream come true: “Watching the film was one of my earliest memories and is perhaps what started my passion for theatre. I knew the words of every song.”
In addition to taking part in ‘School of Rock’, Sonny together with Darcy Kent who played the parts of Rosalie Mullins and Patty, are also members of the Pauline Quirk Academy in Durham, rehearsing every Saturday morning. Following in the footsteps of former Woodham student, Nathan Elwick, both Darcy and Sonny are due to perform in London’s West End this summer.
Woodham Academy has a long tradition of musical theatre. The staging of School of Rock involved not just the music department, but also the English department for drama and the art and design and technology departments for making the set. Two stars from previous productions also returned to help – teacher Paul Richardson, aka ‘Bugsy’, helped with staging whilst Will Kirton, aka Killer Queen, played both guitar and bass in the band.
Head of Music and the show’s producer, Rob Gales, says “This was a fantastic performance, especially as many of the cast are still in Year 7 and Year 8. Not only did students enjoy every minute, they also grew in confidence and made new friends. ‘School of Rock’ is an experience that students will remember for the rest of their lives”.
Aycliffe Radio were also in attendance to record the show, which will be scheduled for broadcast in the near future.
Sonny
