Review: School of Rock 48 hour

Another successful 48 hour by Watch This: Rock on!


Upon hearing that the next 48 hour production was an adaptation of the modern classic ‘School of Rock’, I knew I had to be there. For me this film defined my childhood, and so this version had a lot to live up to. Luckily it managed to tick most of my boxes.

Someone knows how to make a poster now don’t they

For those who are unfamiliar with the film, it is the story of a failed musician turned substitute teacher Dewy Finn, as he turns his class of misfit 10 year old students into a rock band ready to face the upcoming battle of the bands. Cue chaos and a very catchy soundtrack.

The casting of Vita Fox as Dewy Finn may have been unorthodox, but it was brilliant and Fox managed to effortlessly capture the mannerisms that Jack Black brought to the character. As she emphasised the ‘ola’ in ‘crapola’, it was almost as if Black himself had entered the underground.

The main man himself, it was as if he was there too

Being a seasoned 48 hour audience member I now know to expect the topical Birmingham references sprinkled throughout the adaptations. The production poked fun at the the traditional cardboard props typical of the 48 hours, which were to feature heavily (there was even a cardboard orchestra!) The questionable decor of the underground was scrutinised, with the cast asking if it was normal to have a play in TGI Friday’s.

The Underground?

The chaos was kept in check by the double act narrators of Hannah Fretwell and Jake Williams AKA your friendly neighbourhood Osbornes. They captured the spirit of their characters perfectly by playing off each other. Hilarity ensued; highlights included shameless plugging of Black Sabbath throughout the performance and mocking of their reality TV show ‘The Osbournes’.

The students stuck to their characters well, impressively staying in role considering the short time they had to rehearse. Phoebe Cresswell as Summer kept the class in check, clutching her ‘I love learning’ folder appropriately and Hannah Sharp made an endearing Lawrence. Her facial expressions captured his innocence perfectly, as the audience watched the class’s journey from classical orchestra to full on rock band.

Ned Schneebly was brought to life by Jacob Lovick who arguably received the most laughs during the play, maintaining his perfectly pitched accent throughout and managing in the end to triumph and overthrow the tyrannical rule of his uptight girlfriend.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this 48 hour- now the next one has a lot to live up to!

Whole Cast Photo, Cheesy grins everyone!

Check out the making of video.