AS a huge fan of the original School of Rock film, I had high expectations going into TOPS' latest production, School of Rock: The Musical, at the Thameside Theatre, Grays, which began its run on Thursday, 12 September.

Jack Black's portrayal of Dewey Finn is iconic, so filling those shoes is no small feat. While I wasn't a fan of some of the additional songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the stage production still captured the heart, humour, and rock 'n' roll energy of the movie.

The show opens with Sean Hynes as Dewey and he impressively makes the rile his own.

Though he channels Jack Black's larger-than-life persona, Sean brings the same loveable, chaotic spirit to Dewey that fans of the film will appreciate.

Opposite him, Lauren Jones shines as Rosalie Mullins. She echoes Joan Cusack's strict yet vulnerable principal but adds her own depts and charisma. Her pitch-perfect vocals, paired with her comedic timing, make her performance a true highlight of the night.

Joe Drury as Ned Schneebly also stands out, delivering a masterful comedic performance as the timid, conflicted roommate. His portrayal of ned's inner turmoil - caught between loyalty to Dewey and his relationship with Patti Di Marco - is fantastic. Holly Davi, as Patti, plays the nagging girlfriend role so well that the audience audibly reacted whenever she interfered with Dewey's plans.

While the adult cast was superb, the children truly stole the show.

Their energy was infectious, and their talent lit up the stage.

Dara Virlan as Summer Hathaway was a standout, embodying Summer's take-charge attitude with impressive dedication.

Edith Underhill as Tomila also had a heartwarming transformation, blossoming from the shy girl to a confident lead vocalist by the show's end.

The band members brought their own flair to the show. Tabitha Luckham as Katie Travis (bass) exuded confidence and coolness. Mark James (drums) kept the rhythm alive as Freddie Hamilton with palpable energy.

Freddie James (keys) portrayed Lawrence Turner with effortless cool, while Matthew Lynn as Billie Sandford (stylist) added humour and flair.

Vincent Sparks, as guitarist Zack Mooneyham, delivered a heartfelt performance, portraying a child struggling to be heard who finally finds his voice through music.

The adult ensemble also deserves praise for their versatility in playing multiple roles, creating a cohesive production.

The clever use of projection for scene changes kept the show moving seamlessly, proving that you don't need an extravagant set for an immersive experience.

Luke Coldham's production featured exciting elements like pyrotechnics and a confetti cannon, enhancing the concert-like atmosphere.

Though there were minor technical glitches, such as the microphones not being turned up in time for some dialogue, they didn't detract from the overall experience. The sound balance was otherwise solid throughout the show.

The choreography by Liane Alton was simple, yet effective, perfectly complementing the high energy rock 'n' roll vibe without overshadowing the story or characters.

Director Luke Coldham with the cast.

Luke Coldham's direction deserves special mention. His ability to draw our humour and performances from both adults and children is remarkable. His knack for comedy and his ability to guide his cast to their best performances are clear throughout the production.

In conclusion, School of Rock: The Musical is a triumph.

It honours the spirit of the beloved film, while bringing its own flair to the stage. With unforgettable performances from both the adult cast and the children, as well as top notch direction and production, this show is a must-see for fans of the movie and newcomers alike. Rock On!

Review by Natalie Hills.

School of Rock: The Musical, runs until Saturday, 15 September at the Thameside Theatre.